7 Reasons Why Midnight Madness Is the Biggest Night of the Year for UK Basketball

After a one year hiatus, Midnight Madness is back this month and the Summer Showcase takes place on August 31st.

Aug 22, 2014
Guide to Midnight Madness

None

Guide to Midnight Madness

None

After a one year hiatus, Midnight Madness is back this month and the Summer Showcase takes place on August 31st. The finals night has earned its place as the must-see event in the summer hoops calendar as it presents a blend of competitive basketball, live DJs and performances from some of music's biggest names.

Following a nationwide talent search, the Midnight Madness Summer Showcase brings together the UK's top players to go head-to-head in a North Vs South All-Star Game on the legendary Midnight Madness ‘Black Out’ court, in a final test to prove who’s the biggest baller.

The stakes are high and tickets are available here.

Here's why Midnight Madness is the biggest night in British basketball.

1. It's the UK's biggest talent search

Midnight Madness has become Europe's biggest basketball talent search, which offers players the chance to showcase their talents to fans, players and coaches worldwide in a tournament that culminates in an 'All-Star' final that's attended by some the biggest names involved in the game.

2. Skills are on show

Those who apply to take part in the tournament are amongst the most talented street ballers in the UK. It's Space Jam come to life.

3. It has a 15 year legacy

Midnight Madness celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and after a humble start in 1999–designed to help combat gun and knife crime in London–the tournament attracts thousands of spectators, 5,000 players and a digital audience of over 6 million.

4. It has the support of basketball's biggest names

Midnight Madness has brought global icons such as Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant to the UK as part of their mission to inspire UK basketball. In addition, the main finals attract some of the biggest names in UK entertainment and sport each year.

5. It's all about the Copper Box Arena

Midnight Madness descends on the electric Copper Box Arena in 2014, which became known during London 2012 as the “box that rocks”. Home to the London Lions, the Copper Box is used to seeing basketball, but the nocturnal presence of Midnight Madness promises to take the atmosphere to a whole new level.

6. Music meets basketball

For one night only, Midnight Madness fuses basketball with the lifestyle and culture that surrounds it. Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes are amongst previous performers and 2014 has more surprises in store.

7. UK streetball goes global

Finalists have the chance to represent the UK on a global stage. In past years, Midnight Madness teams In past years our teams have travelled overseas to the following cities: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Milan, Gran Canaria, Washington DC, Baltimore and New Jersey.

LondonBasketballMidnight MadnessFeatures

Latest in Sports