Tuesday nights in Raleigh, NC were lit back in February 2009 as Madden players battled at Fayetteville Street Tavern for weekly Madden NFL showdowns that blended competition, community, and food. Hosted in partnership with the Capital City Ballers and MaddenUniversity.com, the Tuesday Night Tournaments (TNT) helped define Raleigh’s local Madden scene and featured a $100 winner-take-all format, real-time scoring, and a low $25 entry fee that included a menu entrée. Check our how the TNT redefined cometition in Raleigh, NC.
Players battled on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on 52' HD TV screens, the vibe was electric. VA’s Finest dominated the series with seven wins, while XChamp closed it out with a clutch final victory over VA in the Championship.
From the spring buzz of downtown Raleigh to the glow of HD screens inside Fayetteville Street Tavern, the TNT series delivered a weekly dose of competitive Madden with a side of community flavor. Hosted in partnership with the Capital City Ballers, a local gamer club, TNTs became a staple event for players looking to test their skills, grab a bite, and chase a winner-take-all prize.
🏈 Format & Setup
Each TNT event featured:
- One Xbox 360 and one PlayStation 3 console
- Two 52" HD TVs for immersive gameplay
- $100 winner-take-all prize
- Up to 16 players in a single elimination bracket
- Real-time online scoring for MaddenUniversity.com members following from home
- $25 entry fee, which included a menu entrée from the Tavern
This wasn’t just a tournament—it was a full experience. Players competed, fans tracked scores live, and everyone left with a meal and memories.
🥇 Dominance & Drama
Across eight weekly events, one name stood above the rest: VA’s Finest. With seven tournament wins, he carved out a legacy of consistency and clutch play. The final TNT event saw a shake-up, with XChamp claiming the crown and breaking the streak.
🌟 Community Impact
TNT wasn’t just about the gameplay—it was about building a local scene. With players gathering from across the Triangle and beyond, the series helped solidify Raleigh’s reputation as a hub for grassroots Madden competition. The partnership with Capital City Ballers added depth, bringing together casual fans and serious contenders in a format that was both affordable and electric.
