SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — On a night where 450 students, alumni, and fans from Dominican University of California came together with the university's Athletics program, a name for the new student section for basketball was unveiled and the start to basketball season became official when the clock struck midnight. The Conlan Center's student section is now known as “The Ice Box,” which topped four other nominations in a fan poll with over 40 percent of the voting.

Midnight Mayhem, organized by the Penguin Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (PSAAC), began with music performed by Moments Courage. Shortly thereafter, Director of Athletics Terry Tumey took the floor with the big announcement. With Tumey preparing the lively crowd with great enthusiasm, the moment of truth drew near. The name in print was rolled up in a banner held by Dominican Cheerleaders. As the banner was rolled open, Tumey simultaneously introduced students to their section, “The Ice Box.”

As midnight drew closer, the evening continued with dance routines by multiple Athletics teams. The performances were carefully choreographed routines, sometimes catching people by surprise (like the Lady Penguin basketball team jumping out of the crowd) or even eccentric (such as the Dominican Lacrosse team singing Men in Tights).

Contests involving students made for an interesting night as well. Students played basketball layup musical chairs, Dominican trivia, dodgeball, bat spin. There was also a raffle for great prizes and Penguin merchandise was thrown into the crowd. The highlight of the contests included the difficult task of a half-court shot. With the Conlan Center's lights dimmed, J.T. Abefree made a basket from half-court, winning a baseball signed by San Francisco Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez.

As the clock struck midnight, the Ice Box was introduced to the 2010-2011 Dominican men's and women's basketball teams. Both teams performed a warm-up routine before the three-point contest between sophomore Kimi Nakamura and freshman Brendan Holmes. After a slow start, Holmes won the three-point contest with 12 baskets to Nakamura's 10.

To finish the evening, the dunk contest took place with the winner being decided by consensus applause. Transfer senior Leon Hart received the most approval from the Ice Box.

Senior guard and PSAAC President Mike Wells seemed very pleased with the event.

“I think [Midnight Mayhem] went extraordinarily well,” said Wells. “Hopefully this brings Athletics to the forefront of student life.”

As of midnight, Friday October 15, 2010, both Dominican basketball teams are allowed to hold official practices. On November 2, the Ice Box officially opens up in front of competition, as the Lady Penguins face Menlo College at 7:00 p.m. The Dominican men open play on November 4 against Pacific Union College at 7:00 p.m. Both games are exhibition contests.