VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova's annual kickoff celebration of the men's and women's basketball seasons, "Hoops Mania" is set for Saturday night at Finneran Pavilion.
 
A capacity crowd is expected for an event that will, after a one-year hiatus, feature the return of a musical recording act to conclude the night's festivities. Previous Hoops Mania performers have included 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, and Drake.
 
The identity of the performer is not announced in advance of the appearance.
 
"Hoops Mania" is the annual basketball preseason party that returned to the Finneran Pavilion in 2018 after a one-year stint in Villanova Stadium during renovation. This year's event features the introduction of both teams to the Nova Nation and a 3-point shooting contest featuring both men's and women's student-athletes. A men's basketball open scrimmage will also be part of the festivities.
 
This student-focused event gets underway at 7 p.m.
 
The Villanova men's team opens its 2019-20 season at Finneran Pavilion on Tuesday, Nov. 5 when it hosts Army. The Villanova women, meanwhile, opening the 2019-20 campaign one night later at the Finn, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 against George Washington University.