Early October date set for Michigan State basketball Midnight Madness

We are only in the second week of football season, but we all know Michigan State basketball is always on the mind for fans of the green and white.

Both the Spartan Men and Women's basketball programs now know when their seasons can kick into full gear. On Oct. 4, the two programs will host the annual Michigan State Madness event at the Breslin Center.

The event is always a great time and fans turn out in droves to get pumped up about the new college basketball season for both teams.

Tom Izzo has always had some crazy theme for this event every season, so it will be interesting to see what the 2024-25 version will be. Izzo shared a statement through the Michigan State Athletics page about why this event is always special.

"I'm really excited to get our season started and for Michigan State Madness," Izzo said. "It's a new format for our programs and I think the setup will get our students engaged, and by starting a bit earlier, it will be even more family friendly. Once we're done at the Breslin Center, every Spartan fan can get home in time for the football game."

What coach is referring to is the Spartan football team's trip out to Autzen Stadium to face the Ducks on that Friday night as well.

Izzo wasn't alone in sharing the excitement of Spartan Madness, as women's basketball coach Robyn Fralick is also excited for the new season.

"Michigan State Madness is one of those nights that gets you excited for the start of the season," Fralick said. "Going into my second season as the head coach at Michigan State, I am really looking forward to this event. It will be great to see families, kids and students participating and making the Breslin Center rock. We can't wait to see everyone there."

I for one share both coaches' excitement around the event. I have been going to this since I was a kid, and it has always been a great time.

The biggest plus this year is a two and half hour earlier start time, which is a great move especially with the football game coming on at nine. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the event scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

Spartan Madness has always been a great way to meet the teams, and you always get to see Izzo dress up like some famous person or character.

I still fondly remember the year he road in on a horse. What trick will he have up his sleeve this year?