FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University men’s and women’s basketball teams will hold a season-opening “Riot at the Rim” program Thursday evening in the Smith University Center. The program, sponsored by FMU’s newly formed student fan club “The Riot,” is open to the public free of charge.

The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 7 p.m. Both squads and the 2006-07 Patriot cheerleaders will be introduced. Activities will also include a dunk contest, 3-point shooting contests, and blue-white scrimmages for both the Patriot men and women.

The FMU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will also hold a charity half-court shot contest, with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Both Francis Marion basketball teams will open their season on Wednesday, Nov. 15, with the men at Coker College and the women at Furman University – both 7 p.m. tip-offs. The 2006-07 home slates begin with the Zaxby’s Tip-Off Clazzic, Saturday afternoon, Nov. 18, at 1 and 3 p.m.