AUBURN----The nationally-ranked Auburn men's and women's basketball teams tip-off the 1999-2000 season by hosting Midnight Mayhem in Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum Oct. 15, the Friday night before the Florida football game in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Doors open at 10:30 pm and admission is free.

The Auburn men are preseason ranked No. 2 in the nation while the women are No. 10, according to Lindy's College Basketball.

The official start of practice for the season is at midnight Oct. 16, and the men will feature a slam dunk contest between the team of Chris Porter, Mack McGadney and Mamadou N'diaye vs. Adam Harrington, David Hamilton and Jay Heard.

"This is an excellent chance for our basketball team and our fans to get the season started right," head coach Cliff Ellis said. "The energy and excitement that was created last season made Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum the best arena in the country. We want that to carry over into this year. Midnight Mayhem should be a fun and eventful evening for everyone."

The women will have a 3-point shootout between the team of Tiffany Krantz, Tasha Hamilton and LaRita Spencer vs. the Auburn assistant coaches team of MaChelle Joseph, Kellie Jolly-Harper and Lauretta Freeman.

"This will be a great opportunity for Auburn fans to get a sneak-preview of our women's basketball team," women's head coach Joe Ciampi said. "We're excited for the upcoming season."

Right Next Door, a popular classic rock and country music band, will play from 9-11 pm in front of the main entrance to the Coliseum. Festivities inside the arena begin at 10:35 pm with the campus finals of the women's 3-on-3 tournament and the men's 3-on-3 tournament.

Other contests include the University Program Council 3-Point Shootout finals, and the Papa John's Shootout Progression in which a fan has the opportunity to win a pizza each week for one year. The finals of the Student Public Address Announcer Contest and the Classic Rock 99 Student Tuition Shootout will also be held.

The Auburn cheerleaders, dance line and pep band will perform as well as the showing of highlight films of both the men's and women's teams.