Hilltopper Hysteria, the annual tip-off event for WKU’s basketball programs, will take place on Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. this year, WKU announced Friday. 

The event will start with introductions of the women’s basketball team and a scrimmage. Men’s introductions will start at 7 p.m. The teams will compete in a series of basketball challenges with fans before the men’s team holds a scrimmage. There will then be an autograph session on the court. 

Hilltopper Hysteria will be a free event this year, but tickets will still be required. Men’s basketball season ticket holders will get first priority to reserve their season ticket seats for Hilltopper Hysteria by 5 p.m. Oct. 5, according to a press release from WKU. 

Women’s basketball season ticket holders will be able to secure seats from Oct. 8 through Oct. 11. The free tickets will be available to the general public at that point. 

The Hilltoppers are set to start their season with an exhibition against Campbellsville on Oct. 30, and the Lady Toppers will start with an exhibition against West Virginia State on Nov. 1. 

Sports Editor Jeremy Chisenhall can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @JSChisenhall.