49ers Basketball Madness set for Thursday

Basketball Madness, an annual happening, is the official start of the season. This year’s event, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, will feature a number of entertaining activities, including the introductions of the men’s and women’s teams, a slam dunk contest and more. The first 1,500 fans will receive a free Niner Nation T-shirt.

Madness begins at 9 p.m. in Halton Arena, and 49ers alumnus and WACH Fox meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh returns as the host for the evening.

The 49ers begin the 2013-14 season with an exhibition game against Wingate on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Halton Arena. The regular season starts with a contest against ETSU at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, in Halton Arena.

The Charlotte women’s basketball program aims for its 12th-straight postseason appearance in 2013-14. The team welcomes back two starters and seven letter winners from last year’s WNIT Sweet 16 run. Third-year head coach Cara Consuegra has the 49ers positioned fourth in the preseason Conference USA poll, as they re-enter the league in which they made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2003.

Charlotte 49ers basketball season and mini-pack tickets are now available for purchase online at Charlotte49ers.com. Fans have the opportunity to purchase tickets to catch the return to Conference USA by the 49ers men’s and women’s teams, with both coming off post season appearances during the 2012-13 season.

Men’s basketball season tickets begin at $49, with fans also being provided the option of five-game partial season or five-game flex plans. The five-game fixed plan includes games against Davidson, Georgia Tech, North Texas, Marshall and Old Dominion. Partial season plans begin at $90.