Georgia Tech Jacket Jam

If you know me, you know I am a hardcore fan of Georgia Tech basketball. At schools like UNC and Duke, they have «Midnight Madness» to usher in the start of the new basketball season. «Jacket Jam» is Georgia Tech’s version. It took place this past Sunday at the brand new McCamish Pavilion. This was the inaugural event at Tech’s new on-​campus basketball arena and it was free to the public. The first 2,000 fans got free t-​shirts.
Since the men and women’s team had been playing «away» from home all of last season (at Philips Arena and Gwinnett Arena), the teams’ return to campus plus a $ 50 million renovated arena was reason enough to make this event spectacular, «over the top» almost.
For the better part of the last decade, this event was called HoopsFest. It consisted of a men’s, and possibly women’s, scrimmage plus an autograph session at the end. This year’s event was much different. New coaches, new arena, new attitude, I suppose. It was a big production, like a giant pep rally, complete with the entire Georgia Tech marching band, Buzz, the cheerleaders, the Gold Rush dance team, baton twirlers, step dancers from Alpha Phi Alpha, a DJ, and more. The new HD video and ribbon boards, theatrical lighting, spot lighting, and sound system were also put to the test and on full display for everyone to see.
The entire men’s and women’s teams were introduced one-​by-​one in grand fashion. They ended their introductions with a performance of Gangnam Style. After the dog and pony show ended, the teams did not scrimmage. Instead, different players from the men’s and women’s teams teamed up and represented different sections of the arena in a three-​point shootout competition. Georgia Lottery BOGO (buy one, get one) coupons went to the winning sections. Thoughout the competition, various players and the head coaches were interviewed.
The event ended with the player and coaches’ meet-​and-​greet where free posters were handed out and fans could get autographs and photos taken with the team.
The entire event was broadcast live and archived on ESPN3.
Hopefully, Jacket Jam will continue for many years to come. If you’re a Georgia Tech supporter, then you already know about this event. If you’re just a casual fan looking for something fun and free to do, Jacket Jam is definitely worth checking out. It’s a fun way to spend a couple hours.