Gardner-Webb Basketball to Host Bulldog Madness on Tuesday Night at 9:30 p.m.

Free Admission, Event Highlighted by $500 Half-Court Shot, Costume Contest & Staff/Faculty Game

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb’s basketball teams will officially tipoff for a fans-only event on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 9:30 p.m. Join the ‘Dawgs as they present Bulldog Madness inside Paul Porter Arena. Doors open at 9 p.m., and admission is free to the general public. Wear a costume to compete for a prize.

“Bulldog Madness is a wonderful way to get introduced to our great student athletes on both the men’s and women’s basketball program, while having a lot of fun and getting to see the incredible skills that they are going to put on display this season,” said Vice President & Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich.

The event schedule is highlighted by a half-court shot for a $500 prize, in which one lucky fan in attendance will be selected and take one shot to win the prize. Pizza will be served, and stickers will be given away. A returning component to this year’s event is a highly anticipated five-on-five faculty and staff scrimmage, which will feature several favorite faces from around campus.

The teams will hold a skills competition, three-point shooting contest, and dunk contest for those in attendance. Head coaches Jeremy Luther (men) and Scott Merritt (women) will address the crowd, as the Runnin’ Bulldogs display their skills ahead of the 2024-2025 season.

The women’s first non-conference home game is Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. On Nov. 12, the women will host a rare morning game at 11 a.m. for Education Day. Paul Porter Arena will be packed with hundreds of elementary students from around the area to cheer on the Dawgs as they play East Tennessee State.

The men begin their season on the road on Nov. 4, traveling to face the Volunteers of Tennessee. They play their first home game on Nov. 16 in a non-conference matchup against Elon.

Both Luther and Merritt are eager for fans to see their teams in action.

Luther asserted, “We couldn’t be more excited about the season. I have really enjoyed coaching this team through the summer and fall. I love our chemistry and the passion the kids show up with every day. Seems like it was just yesterday that I was hired and now the season is already here.”

He added, “Bulldog Madness is a great event for our community. It’s a chance for the fans to interact with our players. It should be a great night.”

Merritt agreed, “I’m so excited for Bulldog Madness, and the chance to see our fans for the first time this season! I know the energy is going to be amazing! Our players have been working extremely hard getting ready for the season opener on Nov. 4. ‘Sko dawgs!” 

Both teams will stick around after the conclusion of Tuesday’s fun to sign autographs for children under the age of 12.

For more information on Tuesday’s Bulldog Madness, contact Gardner-Webb athletics at (704) 406-4340.

See the full schedules: Women and Men.

Season tickets are available for both teams by visiting GWUSports.com.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.