Tubby Time is here!

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball program will celebrate the beginning of the Tubby Smith Era of Golden Gopher basketball with “Tubby’s Tipoff” on Friday, Oct. 12.

The Gophers’ version of the traditional college basketball’s “Midnight Madness” will begin at 9 p.m., at Williams Arena. Admission is free and The Barn’ doors will open at 8:45 p.m.

The evening’s program will include an introduction of the 2007-08 Golden Gophers and coaching staff, a three-point shooting contest, slam dunk contest and scrimmage.

Prior to the event, all U of M students are invited to an outdoor tailgate party on the University Avenue apron to Williams Arena beginning at 7:45 p.m.

Before you head over to Williams Arena, be sure to catch the No. 11 Golden Gopher volleyball team as they take on the No. 9 Wisconsin Badgers in the fourth annual "Border Battle" beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Sports Pavilion. Call 1-800-UGOPHER for tickets and more information.