Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois tipped off its 2014-15 basketball seasons on Thursday night with Blue Madness, a community Halloween event that introduces the local area to the Panthers basketball teams.

In addition to trick or treating and costume contests for area youth, fans were able to watch the men's team during a dunk contest and a shooting contest for the women's team.

EIU men's basketball will host Saint Francis on Monday, Nov. 10 for an exhibition game in Lantz Arena at 7 p.m..  The regular season opener is Nov. 14 at Missouri State followed by the home opener on Nov. 17 against Eureka College.   Tickets for the season and individual games are available through the EIU ticket office at 217-581-2106.

EIU women's basketball opens the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 15 at home hosting Kansas City at 2 p.m. in Lantz Arena.