Basketball Mania

Initiated in the Fall of 2003 by Basketball head coach Joe Jones, Midnight Mania is the annual kick-off event for the basketball season held in Levien Gym, featuring prize give-aways, contests, and culminating with the introduction of the men's and women's basketball teams.

The event was first held in the University Gymnasium ("Blue Gym"), but thanks to skyrocketing popularity, soon outgrew the venue and is now held in the larger Levien Gym.

It should be noted that Midnight Mania is actually an unofficial opening event for the basketball season, and doesn't even happen at Midnight. At most schools, Midnight Mania marks the first possible moment of the season allowed under NCAA rules for teams to hold an organized practice. A more low-key open practice, targeted to alumni, takes place days before Columbia's Midnight Mania.