FORT PIERCE  — Indian River State College (“The River”) is transforming its basketball season opener into a community-wide celebration with the debut of River Madness. River Madness delivers a high-energy, family-friendly showcase — live DJ, local vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and the first look at the 2025–26 men’s basketball roster.

River Madness will be held on Friday, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m., at Indian River State College Massey Campus Gym, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce. Free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase. 

“I want both sides of the bleachers full,” said Head Coach Travis “T.J.” Jackson. “This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about bringing people together and making River basketball part of the fabric of Fort Pierce.”

After a 10-win rebuilding year, Jackson’s team returns deeper, hungrier, and more balanced. The new roster includes six freshmen who held Division I offers before choosing The River. The student athletes were drawn to the program’s focus on development, discipline, and academics.

Indian River State College competes in Florida’s Region 8, one of the toughest junior college conferences in the nation. Families also appreciate JUCO’s affordability and proximity; elite competition with little to no student debt.

“River Madness is more than a tipoff,” Jackson said. “It’s the starting whistle for a culture that connects this campus and this city. This is your team, Fort Pierce. Let’s make it sound like home.”

Full season schedules and updates are available at irsc.prestosports.com.

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