KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Crowds gathered in Market Square Friday night for a tradition that heralds the University of Tennessee's basketball season — Market Square Madness.
It was the third year UT organized the event, which brought out student-athletes from the men's and women's teams to show off their skills on a constructed basketball court in Market Square. Fans have a chance to connect with players and see firsthand the kind of matches they may see during UT's basketball season.
"Rick Barnes is a Hall of Famer, so the team is just built different," said one fan during the event.
Not only did fans get a chance to see Vols hoops up close, but they also saw performances by Smokey and the Tennessee Dance and Cheer teams.
Fans brought out their pets and friends for the event. Some said it looked like the team was synchronized with each other during the event. Several also said they left home to see one student-athlete in particular — Zakai Zeigler.
Tennessee Basketball starts its season in around a week when they play against Indiana University in Food City Center at Thompson-Boling Arena.