CAMPUS: TAMIU gears up for tomorrow’s Maroon Madness: A night of spirit, celebration, free tuition
By Jesus Chaires
Sports Editor
Published Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
Tomorrow’s Stranger Things-inspired campus event, Maroon Madness, kicks off the basketball season in an entertaining way. Texas A&M International University expects to ignite campus pride as the annual event returns at the Kinesiology and Convocation Building.
The annual pep rally and season opener promises an electric night filled with energy, entertainment and Dustdevil pride. Pre-Madness festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m., including games, photo opportunities and giveaways to fire up the crowd. Gymnasium doors open at 7:30 p.m. and organizers expect the KCB to transform into a sea of maroon as students, athletes and fans unite for one of TAMIU’s most anticipated annual events.
TAMIU Spirit dancer Kiana Rendon performs at Maroon Madness in this file photo taken on Oct. 22, 2024.
The TAMIU Spirit Program is scheduled to take center stage for a performance, intended to set the tone for the unveiling of the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Their dynamic routines and crowd engagement are one of the Maroon Madness highlights.
“The main goal is to excite and engage with the campus community, starting with the student body,” Athletics Director Griz Zimmermann said. He added that students who haven’t experienced Maroon Madness before “should come for the campus engagement experience.”
One of the night’s biggest moments traditionally is the Win Free Tuition giveaway, offering one lucky student the chance to earn a semester’s worth of tuition. Sponsored by Popeyes, 550 Pizzeria and TAMIU Housing and Residence Life, the event combines excitement and opportunity while celebrating the spirit of the University. Prior to the tuition giveaway, a Stranger Things take on the red light-green light game is scheduled, along with a drawing for prizes, including Beats headphones, Nintendo Switch, a scooter and a theater-quality soundbar.
The following are also scheduled during the event: Aramark-provided food, Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement organizations’ activities, Dustdevil athletics and DJ Cynthia to spin Pre-Madness sounds.
