CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard Men's and Women's Basketball will host its annual Crimson Madness free preseason event on Friday, Oct. 17 at Lavietes Pavilion with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. as fans will have their first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the 2025-26 edition of Harvard Basketball.
Harvard fans are invited to attend the pre-party on the Lavietes Lawn beginning at 6:30 p.m. as an opportunity to engage with the Crimson with music, lawn games, raffles, prizes, trophy photo opportunities, and more.
Fans are welcome to make their way into Lavietes Pavilion for team intros at 7:00 p.m. Highlights from the event will include team scrimmages, performances from cheer, dance, and band, and player and fan contests. Skills challenges as part of the night will include the 3-point contest, skills showcase, and the return of the dunk contest. An autograph session will follow the event's conclusion.
The event is free and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to
RSVP and visit the
event page for additional information.
Both men's and women's basketball tip off the regular season on Friday, Nov. 7 in a doubleheader at Lavietes Pavilion with the men hosting MIT at 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+) and the women hosting St. John's at 8:00 p.m. (ESPN+).
Men's basketball will also compete in two exhibition contests prior to the regular season opener with matchups at Providence on Oct. 25 at 4:00 p.m. and at home vs. UMass Boston on Oct. 30 at 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+).
Crimson Madness Timeline
6:30 p.m. | Doors Open
7:00 p.m. | Team Intros
7:15 p.m. | Harvard Cheer Performance
7:20 p.m. | Basketball Challenges (3-Point Contest, Skills Showcase, Dunk Contest)
7:40 p.m. | Women's Basketball Scrimmage
7:50 p.m. | Harvard Dance Performance
7:55 p.m. | Fan Contestant Half Court Shot
8:00 p.m. | Men's Basketball Scrimmage
8:15 p.m. | Thank You from Coaches
