VILLANOVA, Pa. – The 2015-16 basketball season is fast approaching and Villanova will host its annual celebration of a new campaign when “Hoops Mania” returns to the Pavilion on Friday evening. Doors to the public open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6:15 p.m.

“Hoops Mania” introduces the men’s and women’s basketball squads to a packed Pavilion audience but that only begins to capture the scope of activities on tap when the show gets underway on Friday night. The night will include a 3-point shooting contest, a men’s basketball scrimmage, and dunk contest. The men’s squad will also show off their dance moves alongside members of the Villanova Dance Team in what has become an annual highlight of the night.

Another popular element in recent editions of “Hoops Mania” has been the addition of streamers being tossed on to the court by the crowd after the first made basket in the scrimmage. Look for that tradition to continue in 2015-16.

As has been the case for the last decade, the evening will be capped off by a musical performance by an artist whose identity is not revealed until show-time. In 2014, ScHoolboy Q performed and in 2013 Nicki Minaj took the stage near the Pavilion court to a thunderous ovation. Drake was the featured act in 2012.

The event is sold out but those who don’t have tickets can watch the live video stream via the Nova Nation All-Access Pass at villanova.com.

The Villanova men will see their first live action on Sunday, Nov. 8, when they host Pace in an exhibition contest at the Wells Fargo Center at noon.