A spirit event called Colonial Invasion will mark the beginning of the GW basketball season Thursday night at 9 p.m. in the Smith Center. Both the men’s and women’s teams will participate, along with the GW spirit squad and one outside act, an aerial dunk team.

GW Spirit Coordinator Niccole Macchione said the event was planned in response to complaints that resulted in the removal of Midnight Madness from this year’s Colonials Weekend.

“We took all the input we received and made this more about basketball and less of a circus,” she said. “Players will be out there the whole time, and the program will cater to that.”

Several players and coaches said they did not know much about the event, but Macchione said the evening will begin with a tailgate party outside the Smith Center at 8:30 p.m.

Inside, the event will include player introductions and student contests. Among the prizes available will be a free trip to the Bahamas and free books for next semester.

Macchione also said each team is planning about 10 minutes of basketball-related entertainment. The event will end around 10:30 p.m.