Big Blue Madness, the annual tipoff to the college basketball season, presented by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass returns Saturday, Oct. 11. This year’s event promises to be bigger and bolder than ever, with a full day of entertainment, team introductions and fan engagement in Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
Big Blue Madness will begin at 6 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
BBN United Fan Fest, presented by Kroger, will begin earlier in the day in and around Central Bank Center. Details about gaining entry and start time will be announced soon.
Ticket Distribution
Tickets for Big Blue Madness are once again complimentary and will be distributed exclusively online via Ticketmaster.com and through the Ticketmaster app on Friday, September 26 starting at 5 p.m. ET.
Online orders will have a minimal service fee attached, and there will be a limit of four tickets per household. All duplicate orders will automatically be canceled. Due to high demand, UK Athletics cannot guarantee that all fans will receive tickets. There will be no in-person ticket distribution.
All patrons require a ticket for Big Blue Madness, regardless of age.
A limited number of tickets will be held for UK students, and information is posted online at UKStudentTix.com. Student lottery registration closes on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. ET. With limited quantities available, students may wish to consider ordering through the public distribution on Sept. 26.
Before the Madness begins, fans are invited to experience the BBN United Fan Fest, presented by Kroger, a brand-new, pre-event celebration designed to bring Big Blue Nation together like never before. BBN United Fan Fest will take place earlier in the day and feature interactive experiences, live entertainment and exclusive access to Kentucky basketball culture.
Big Blue Madness Presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass
• Live team and coach introductions
• SEC Network+ broadcast
• Special effects, performances and surprises
• Exclusive giveaways and commemorative item
BBN United Fan Fest Presented by Kroger
• Main stage programming including game rewatches with Kentucky basketball staff members and legends, trivia, and live podcasts
• Autograph sessions with players, coaches and alumni
• Photo ops with championship trophies and memorabilia
• Food trucks, music and interactive sponsor activations
• Open to Madness ticket holders; additional details to be announced
• BBN United Members Exclusive Sweepstakes
• BBN United Members who signed up for the exclusive sweepstakes by Sept. 22 were entered into a pre-drawing of 1,000 complimentary tickets before the public distribution.
They will be notified if they were selected by Wednesday, Sept. 24 — so even if they weren’t selected, they can try and get tickets via the public distribution.
Those not already BBN United members are encouraged to join today. Founding BBN United members directly support the future of UK Athletics and contribute to opportunities for Wildcat athletes.
Sweepstakes like the Big Blue Madness ticket raffle will continue throughout the year.
Members gain access to official gear delivered straight to their doors, early access to tickets for select events, are entered into monthly sweepstakes, are invited to experiences and events, access exclusive content, and get to meet and greet players and staff in person, online and more.