CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The college basketball season is officially here.

From North Carolina’s “Late Night With Roy” event to Kentucky’s “Big Blue Madness” that drew a packed crowd to Rupp Arena, Friday night featured a busy schedule of Midnight Madness-style events around the country that stand as the ceremonial kickoff to the 2016-17 season.

Similar events took place at Michigan State, Arizona, Maryland, Iowa State and Connecticut among other schools.

Coming off a loss in the NCAA championship game on a last-second 3-pointer to Villanova, the Tar Heels held their “Late Night” event featuring the men’s and women’s basketball teams in front of a crowd of more than 15,000 fans at the Smith Center. Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams drew a standing ovation as he walked onto the court ahead of player introductions for a veteran squad, while the players quickly commenced with a series of skills contests and dancing for fans before capping the night with an intrasquad scrimmage.

“I think we’ve had a pretty good structure out there: guys knew where to go,” Tar Heels junior Theo Pinson said. “It was good playing in front of a crowd, to get used to it for the freshmen and us getting the feel of it again. It was fun.”

In Lexington, Kentucky, the Wildcats stepped out on the blue carpet to offer the first look at John Calipari’s latest heralded freshman class. The school also unveiled a new scoreboard above center court and a newly designed playing court, part of renovations at Rupp Arena for its 40th anniversary.

Actors Steve Zahn and Josh Hopkins, along with former Kentucky standouts and NBA first-round draft picks John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins were also in attendance. Renowned boxing announcer Michael Buffer introduced the players with some of the newcomers displaying dance moves to the delight of those in attendance.

“Wow,” Calipari said. “You people are crazy. Look at this place. Only you, only here.”