Minnesota Timberwolves to have dunk contest, Midnight Madness

Nov 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves mascot Crunch dunks the ball during a break against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Timberwolves won 100-81. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves mascot Crunch dunks the ball during a break against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Timberwolves won 100-81. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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When you trade away your franchise player, as the Minnesota Timberwolves did this summer, you need to find unique ways to reengage the fan base.

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Sure, obtaining the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Andrew Wiggins, is a nice start. But that by itself isn’t going to do it, especially if you as a fan can’t see Wiggins play. Understanding that, the Minnesota Timberwolves have decided not only to have a ‘Midnight Madness’ to open their training camp, but they’ll also feature a dunk contest.

The previously mentioned Wiggins will battle fellow rookie and uber-dunker Zach LaVine, all of which will be broadcast on NBA TV.

"The Wolves will open training camp in Mankato with a midnight-madness event that will be carried live on NBA TV.Their “Dunks After Dark” extravaganza will be held late Monday night, September 29 in Mankato after the team conducts its traditional media-day activities at Target Center that afternoon.Doors at Minnesota-State Mankato’s Bresnan Arena open at 11 p.m. and the program that will feature a scrimmage and a dunk contest between Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine begins right after midnight."

Even better? If you’re willing to stay up half the evening, tickets to the event are completely free so you’ll get a chance to get up close and personal with members of the Timerwolves without having to spend a penny.

A very cool way to interact with fans on behalf of the Timberwolves.

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