NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State University men's and women's basketball programs will tip off the 2026-27 season with Spartan Madness on Friday, Oct. 2, inside Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Spartan Madness is the first chance for fans to see both squads before the season opens.
On the men's side, head coach Robert Jones returns a roster of five returners, five transfers and four freshmen that competed in August on a foreign tour to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the Spartans played three games against the LBP All-Stars.
"We are excited for the Spartan faithful to get a first look at our basketball program. We have been putting in a lot of work during the summer. This night is a night of fun, a chance to let our hair down a little and highlight the program before the rigors of the season."
On the women's side, head coach Jermaine Woods returns a roster of three returners, seven transfers and four freshmen, including a pair of 757 products in Chesapeake's Asia Keels and Virginia Beach's Jizelle James.
"Our fans get to meet this team for the first time on Oct. 2," head women's basketball coach Jermaine Woods said. "We've got new faces who are eager to put on a Spartan uniform in front of a home crowd, and there's no better way to start the season than with both programs on the floor together."
The evening will feature player introductions from both programs, a three-point contest, a dunk contest, and an intrasquad scrimmage. One lucky fan will also have the chance to win $50,000. Mic Larry will host the night, with music by Izzy the DJ
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through the Norfolk State Ticket Office. For more information, contact CJ Clemons at 757-342-8798 or Kyonze Chavis at 757-535-7856.
The men's basketball program opens a busy stretch the night before, hosting its 13th Annual Tip-off Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
Both Norfolk State programs open the 2026-27 regular season at home on Monday, Nov. 2, inside Echols Hall. The women host Virginia State, while the men host the Regent Royals. Tipoff times for both games will be announced at a later date.
