FEATURE: Annual Maroon Madness kicks off basketball season
By J.P. Contreras
Bridge Staff Writer
Published Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
Hosted by a mix of organizations, the annual Maroon Madness tradition marked the beginning of basketball season. Many student organizations attended and set up games and activities in the stands on Oct. 13 at the Kinesiology and Convocation Building.
TAMIU athletes compete in a men’s versus women’s pizza-eating contest during Maroon Madness in the Kinesiology and Convocation Building on Oct 13, 2026.
The event consisted of two halves, the “Pre-Madness” and the “Madness.” The first half involved various student groups and outside organizations coming together for a celebration. The second half featured the main event: Maroon Madness.
Food for attendees was provided by 550 Pizzeria. Other items offered include ramen, tostilotes and bubble tea, sometimes called boba tea. Alamo Drafthouse brought a spinning wheel game with the chance to win free tickets, trinkets and popcorn.
Various games and activities, such as the TAMIU Cosplayers, reflected the event’s anime theme. A unique feature of the festival included Power-Up Zones, which could refuel free food and refreshments using Power-Up Cards that students could collect.
TAMIU men’s basketball players make their Maroon Madness entrance in the KCB on Oct. 13, 2026.
“This event is really fun,” TAMIU Cosplayers Vice President Daisy Lara said. “It gets very packed. And it’s pretty surprising how much people love coming up and getting their face painted.”
Greek life organizations performed their own rehearsed dance routines set to pop music. Then they came together as a single group to perform a remix that combined their routines into one.
“I think it’s really fun getting to know people and helping them have fun,” Student Philanthropy Council member Sophia Reyes said. “Sometimes, we do rotations so I get to have fun, too. Overall, being part of the organization, as well as the community, is just a really great experience.”
TAMIU mascot Dusty led the attendees inside the gym for the main events. Sammy the House served as the announcer and master of ceremonies. He introduced both basketball teams and explained the rules of the games.
The coaches came out to share a few words. They shined a spotlight on the student athletes. The cheerleading squad put on a show for the teams and the fans. Much like a pep rally, several prize items launched into the crowd. Then the games began.
TAMIU students enjoy pre-madness activities outside of the KCB on Oct. 13, 2026.
First, there was a volleyball free-for-all played between two sides. They encouraged all students to participate. Next came a pizza-eating contest between the two teams, which the women’s team won.
Afterward, students played a game in which each player was given a balloon, where the objective was to not let their balloon touch the ground. The winner of the game won a pair of Beats headphones.
The last game played also had the highest stakes. A coin-flip challenge offered the winner free tuition for the semester. This marked the end of the ceremony. Attendees received free T-shirts on the way out, which were inspired by anime.
Women’s basketball coach Casey Fowler thanked the students and families who came out to show support.
He singled out Assistant Director of Athletic Development and External Affairs Marilyn Bautista for planning the main event. Then he announced some news, “We start some exhibitions next week. We open up Nov. 9, the start of the season. We would love for all the people to come watch.”
