Georgetown Will Host Hoya Fan Fest on October 15
The university is set to revive its preseason basketball tradition at McDonough Arena next month.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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Georgetown Athletics will host the new Hoya Fan Fest on October 15, 2026, marking the school's return to hosting such preseason basketball gatherings. The event will take place in McDonough Arena from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Why it matters
The new event replaces the university's long-standing Hoya Madness tradition, signaling a shift in how the program engages with its fanbase during the preseason. It serves as a direct point of contact between supporters and the leadership of the basketball programs.
The Hoya Fan Fest is scheduled for a one-hour duration from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event marks the first time Georgetown University has held a fan-facing preseason basketball celebration since 2019.
The players
Ed Cooley
Ed Cooley serves as the head coach for the Georgetown University men's basketball team.
Darnell Haney
Darnell Haney is the head coach for the Georgetown University women's basketball team.
The details
The event features scheduled speeches from men's basketball head coach Ed Cooley and women's head coach Darnell Haney. Attendance is free for students, and the structure of the evening is expected to mirror elements of the previous Hoya Madness tradition.
Timeline
The university last held this type of event in 2019.
Georgetown Athletics announced the upcoming event on September 24, 2026.
Hoya Fan Fest will take place on October 15, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of Hoya Fan Fest signals a pivot from the historical Hoya Madness format that defined the program's preseason for years. This shift impacts the competitive atmosphere leading into the season by refreshing the public-facing engagement strategy for both basketball squads.
Students can attend the event at no cost, providing an accessible entry point to the team's preseason culture. The one-hour time limit restricts the event to a specific window in McDonough Arena, requiring fans to arrive promptly for the scheduled coaching staff appearances.
The takeaway
Fans can anticipate a condensed experience that maintains the spirit of past preseason rallies while introducing new leadership figures. Attendees should prepare for a focused evening centered on staff addresses rather than extended floor programming.
Further reading
For more on local basketball developments, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hoya.
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