Chicago, Ill. - Another basketball season is upon us, and at the stroke of midnight on Friday, October 15th, the University of Illinois at Chicago men's and women's basketball squads will hit the UIC Pavilion hardwood to open their 2004-05 campaigns, with both teams participating in a 10-minute scrimmage to celebrate `Midnight Madness'.

The men's squad is looking for its third trip to the NCAA Tournament in the last four years and its fourth consecutive 20-win season, while the women's team returns all five starters to the floor in pursuit of the Flames' first-ever Horizon League title.

Admission is free and the festivities start at 10:00 p.m., with food, music, contests and prizes to be awarded, along with special performances from the nationally-ranked UIC Cheerleaders and Dancing Flames.

Free shuttle bus service will be provided from the residence halls, located at:
- 700 S. Halsted
- 1218 S. Halsted
- 818 S. Wolcott

Service starts at 9:45 p.m. and will conclude at 1:00 a.m.