PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College Head Coach Keno Davis and his Friars opened the 2009-10 college basketball season on Friday, October 16 at their annual Late Night Madness Celebration at the College's Mullaney Gym. More than 3,000 Friar fans jammed into Alumni Hall to see the Friars hit the court. The fans were treated to a festive atmosphere as the men's basketball team was introduced at 10 p.m. The players sat with their respective classes and came out of the stands as they were introduced by the radio voice of the Friars John Rooke. After the team was introduced Keno Davis and Brian McKenzie spoke to the crowd followed by the team performing layups and dunks.

The evening started at 9:30 p.m. as the fans poured into Mullaney Gym and the Providence College pep band, performed along with Chachi Carvalho until 10:00 p.m. At 10:00 p.m., the men's team was introduced and the women's squad was introduced 10 minutes later. The remainder of the night included performances by the cheerleaders and dance team and a three-point shooting contest that featured seniors Sharaud Curry and Brian McKenzie. Other events were various basketball contests and dance competitions. PC's Student Congress ran the evening with the help of several other student groups.

Fans can catch up with the Friars again on Saturday, October 24 from Noon -3:30 p.m. at Fanfest at Alumni Hall. The event will feature interactive games and the men's team's annual Mal Brown intrasquad scrimmage. Admission to the Fanfest and the Mal Brown game is free.

The Friars are looking forward to their first exhibition game on Saturday, October 31 versus Merrimack College at 4:00 p.m. at Alumni Hall. (less info)