365 Things to Do in Memphis #270: Memphis Madness

Photo by Andrea Zucker / Memphis Tourism.

In the same way that Black Friday officially begins the Christmas season, so Memphis Madness officially kicks off the most wonderful time of the year in Memphis: basketball season. Assignment #270 in the 365 Things to Do in Memphis is to catch the madness.

The University of Memphis’ annual basketball kick off isn’t a game – it’s a heady, loud blue and gray streaked night of full-tilt hoops insanity. And for 2018, with hometown hero and NBA star Penny Hardaway taking the helm of the men’s team, it’s going to be even more dramatic.

Coach Hardaway all over the airwaves this morning talking Tiger basketball and Memphis Madness! pic.twitter.com/V0hp2IUz8z

— Memphis Basketball (@Memphis_MBB) September 26, 2018

Memphis Madness 2018 is on Thursday, October 4 at 7 p.m. Expect appearances from Melissa McFerrin and Penny Hardaway from the women’s and men’s Tigers basketball teams, plus live music, Pouncer, the cheerleaders, and the band. The “Blue Carpet” experience starts at 5 p.m.  on the plaza with live music, blue-themed concessions, autographs from former players. etc.

Tickets are $10 for plaza and club seats or $5 for terrace and all the seats are reserved this year. Students can go for free. Get your tickets here.

Other thoughts:

Twitter is going wild with speculation about the musical guests – which is a Memphis Madness tradition – and rumors are flying about all the big names with Memphis ties: Drake, Justin Timberlake, Yo Gotti, Blocboy JB, Moneybagg.

Wing Guru is the newest concession in FedExForum and they’ll apparently make their debut on Oct. 4 at Memphis Madness.

Go there:

Memphis Madness
Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.

FedExForum

191 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 205-2525

Originally posted 2012. Updated 2018.