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Pittsburgh to take its ‘Midnight Madness’ festivities outside

Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Dixon signals his team during the first half of their NCAA men's basketball game in Syracuse

Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Jamie Dixon signals his team during the first half of their NCAA men’s basketball game in Syracuse, New York January 16, 2012. REUTERS/Adam Fenster (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

REUTERS

Midnight Madness, or some similarly named event to kick off a school’s college basketball season, is set to take place on campuses across the country this fall.

For Pittsburgh, coming off a 22-17 season, the festivities will come with a twist: they will be held outside.

In a release Wednesday, the school announced that the Panthers’ Midnight Madness is scheduled for Oct. 12 and will take place at the Cathedral of Learning on Bigelow Boulevard.

The outdoor court will be made up with portable bleachers, lights, and a video board to help kick off the 2012-13 season for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Despite winning the CBI title last season, Pittsburgh is looking for a better finish this year with the help of three incoming freshman, particularly one: big man Steven Adams.

Adams, a 6-10, 235-pound native of New Zealand, has a high ceiling for his game to grow and a good deal of athleticism for a player his size.

With the departure of Ashton Gibbs, the Panthers will also be looking to returning guard Tray Woodall and freshman point guard James Robinson of DeMatha High School for contributions out of the gate.

Robinson is a smart, under-control point guard who has good size for a high-major prospect. To all of that, the Panthers also add Central Michigan transfer Trey Zeigler, who is eligible to play right away.

As for Midnight Madness, it will help Pitt to celebrate its Homecoming Weekend.

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_