Tiger basketball tips off with FanFest

In year’s past, fans have packed out the FedExForum to spectate the Tigers’ first official practice of year in a flashy recruiting ploy, which usually included a dunk contest, a three-point shooting contest, a scrimmage from both the men’s and women’s teams and a live musical act from the likes of Yo Gotti, Rick Ross or “Survivor” lead singer Jimi Jamison.

The University decided to take a more simple approach this season, as the Tigers will focus more on the fans. The event will revolve around fans getting to know the players, take photos and get autographs.

Memphis men’s coach Josh Pastner, who is entering his seventh season with the Tigers, said this event is a way to give back and show Tiger nation appreciation of its support.

“While this year's event is changing from what's been done in the past, I see it as a positive one for Tiger Nation, the city of Memphis and the Mid-South community,” Pastner said. “This year's Memphis Madness is going to allow fans more time to interact and engage with their teams, and it also gives us a chance to thank the fans personally for their support.”

The FanFest will begin with a ticket Select-a-Seat event for fans buying season tickets to choose which seats they want. Simultaneously, fans will able to enjoy a Plaza Party on the FedExForum Plaza, which will include inflatables for the kids and an autograph session with the women’s team.

Following the Select-a-Seat event and the Plaza Party, fans will be welcomed into the Forum to participate in clinic stations with both Tiger basketball teams on the court. The FanFest will conclude with an autograph session with the men’s team.

In the past, students attended the event in full force, trying to see their first glimpses of the Tigers in action, as well as a chance to see a live musical performance.

It will be interesting to see what kind of student support the event will get this year without the extravagance of former Memphis Madness events.

Sophomore accounting major Will Carter said he will not be attending this year’s festivities because he finds “no value or entertainment in it.”

Carter, who prides himself as an avid Tiger fan, said he isn’t attending because he does not like the changes made.

“I have been every single year and looked forward to the team scrimmaging, but I simply enjoyed Tiger basketball atmosphere,” Carter said. “I find no value because there are no basketball things going on really. I feel like there is no excitement for the year right now.”

As Carter said, some students are obviously upset with the change, but the event’s remodeling won’t keep all the students away.

Chandler McCollough, a sophomore human development and learning major, said he is disappointed the FanFest replaces the Memphis Madness of old, but he is still excited about attending the event this year and showing off his Tiger pride.

“I’m definitely going,” McCollough said. “I want show my Tiger pride all year long. I’m mainly excited about seeing what’s new this year,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty new team of players and from what I’ve heard they are talented. I’m excited to see what is being put together for this season.

McCollough said he is most excited for a chance to meet the players.

“I personally would like to meet and know the people behind the game,” he said. “This way they are more than just players.”

The Select-a-Seat event and Plaza Party will begin at 10:30 a.m. until noon Saturday, before the FanFest officially gets underway at 12:30 p.m.