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Izzo's many Midnight Madness outfits

Tom Izzo isn't bashful about dressing up for the annual kickoff to basketball season

November 21, 2014
<p>Men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo speaks Friday night during Midnight Madness at Breslin Center after appearing on the floor in a fighter jet model. The annual Midnight Madness marks the official beginning of the basketball program. Justin Wan/The State News</p>

Men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo speaks Friday night during Midnight Madness at Breslin Center after appearing on the floor in a fighter jet model. The annual Midnight Madness marks the official beginning of the basketball program. Justin Wan/The State News

Photo by Justin Wan | The State News

2014

At this year’s Midnight Madness, Izzo dressed up as a member of KISS, but left his guitar behind and played the accordion. He said he had fun with it, but he might not be returning to that costume any time soon.

“I get embarrassed (at) some of the dumb things I do sometimes,” Izzo said. “I sure do find a way, hernia and all, to limp up there on 27-foot heels, more makeup than all you girls combined were wearing. I found out putting it on is bad, taking it off is worse.”

2002

In 2002, Izzo descended from the rafters of the Breslin Center in a circus stunt. A year later, he decided to stay on the ground, riding in on horseback with his wife, Lupe, at his side.

2005

In 2005, Izzo dressed up in his Army fatigues. He “wanted to honor all the people who keep us out of harm’s way every day” and stressed that those in the military, Navy, and Red Cross deserved the applause.

2006

In 2006, Midnight Madness fell on Oct. 13. Izzo did his best Dracula impression, sporting red lips, a powdered white face and a cape during Fright Night.

2007

In 2007, Izzo and his team dressed up as Spartan warriors, reflecting the hit film “300.”

2008

2008 brought nostalgia back to Breslin Center, as Izzo, with his family, entered the arena dressed as a hippie in honor of the 30th anniversary of MSU’s national championship in 1979.

2009 & 2010: Hints at the Final Four

Over the next few years, Izzo’s costumes related to the Final Four locations for the current season. In 2009, Izzo raced in driving an IndyCar, knowing that the National Semifinals would be held in Indianapolis later that year. In 2010, Izzo suited up in an astronaut costume, hoping his team would rocket to the Final Four in Houston.

2011

In 2011, Izzo entered sitting in the pilot seat of a (grounded) fighter jet.

2012

In 2012, MSU’s superhero basketball coach entered as Iron Man. An Iron Man suit ziplined across the arena, and Izzo emerged from the smoke when it landed.

2013

He fooled fans into thinking he was shot out of a cannon in 2013, but there was no chance the university would risk the safety of the man who serves as the face of the basketball program.

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