BOONE, N.C. — Mountaineer Madness is returning to the Holmes Center on Friday, Oct. 20, to tip off the 2017-18 basketball season for the Appalachian State men's and women's teams.
The event is free to the public and students, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Men's coach
Jim Fox and women's coach
Angel Elderkin both have high expectations entering their fourth seasons in Boone, and this will be the first opportunity for fans to see the new-look Mountaineers. The new Holmes Center video board will also be in use for a basketball event for the first time.
After fans are welcomed to Mountaineer Madness at 7:15 p.m., there will be introductions for the women's team and special events. A women's scrimmage with a pair of 10-minute halves will follow.
Beginning at 8 p.m., the men's team will be introduced, and it will also participate in special events. A scrimmage with two 10-minute halves will follow.
Counting rising senior
Griffin Kinney and leading scorer
Ronshad Shabazz, App State's men return five players who started at least four games and played double-digit minutes per game last season. The Mountaineers have also brought in several newcomers to complement the talented veterans.
"Our team is excited to be able to get out in front of fans a little early this year," Fox said. "This will be a fun night, so come on out to Convo and welcome the new season with us."
App State's men open their 2017-18 schedule with a home exhibition against Warren Wilson on Nov. 7 and begin the regular season with a Nov. 11 home game against Toccoa Falls.
The addition of eight new players and two new assistant coaches has created excitement within the women's program. They'll join rising senior
Madi Story, the team's leading scorer, and a core a young, talented returners.
"With the season right around the corner, this is a perfect way for our fans to get know what talent we'll be putting on the floor this season," Elderkin said. "This event is for you, and we're looking to put on a great show on the 20th. So come on out, meet our team and get ready for 2017-18! "
App State's women begin their 2017-18 schedule with a home exhibition against Tusculum on Oct. 31 and open the regular season with a home game against ACC program Georgia Tech on Nov. 10.
Season tickets are now available by clicking
here, calling
(828) 262-2079 or visiting the Appalachian State athletics ticket office that's located in the Holmes Center and is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. A season ticket reserves a seat for all 26 regular-season games at the Holmes Center (13 men's, 13 women's) and costs just $175 for courtside.
Non-courtside season tickets are $100 for adults, $80 for senior citizens (ages 60+) or Appalachian State faculty/staff and $50 for youth (ages 3-12).
