University of Kentucky Sets Stage for Big Blue Madness 2025 at Rupp Arena – Oct. 11, 7 p.m.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky Athletics officially announced today that *Big Blue Madness*, the Bluegrass State’s legendary annual season kickoff showcasing both the men’s and women’s basketball squads, is slated for **October 11, 2025**, at **7:00 p.m. ET** inside **Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center**. ([ukathletics.com][1])

Presented once again by **Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass**, the event promises a thrilling kickoff to the 2025‑26 basketball season, featuring the highly anticipated introductions of new-look rosters and head coaches, plus a suite of live performances, contests, practice drills, and fan-centric activities.

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### 🎟️ Ticketing & Admission

Tickets for *Big Blue Madness* will be available **for free**, but in high demand. Distribution will be handled exclusively via **Ticketmaster.com** and the **Ticketmaster** mobile app, beginning at **5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 26**, with a maximum of four (4) tickets per household. Every attendee—regardless of age—must possess a valid ticket; duplicate entries will be automatically canceled. UK Athletics has explained that in-person pickup will not be available due to ongoing renovations at Memorial Coliseum.

A select number of tickets will be reserved for UK students via **UKStudentTix.com**, so fans are encouraged to act swiftly once ticket sales open. UK Athletics cautions that not all fans who attempt to secure tickets will necessarily be successful, given the high level of demand. ([ukathletics.com][1])

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### 🏀 What to Expect at the Event

Big Blue Madness serves as **Kentucky’s Midnight Madness** – a fixture of college basketball’s most electrifying pre-season traditions. The evening will officially introduce **Coach Mark Pope’s** men’s squad and **Coach Kenny Brooks’** women’s team. The program includes spirited scrimmages, a three-point shooting contest, a dunk showcase, skill challenges, on-court drills, and multimedia highlights. ([ukathletics.com][1])

This year’s event is elevated further by innovative production enhancements—most notably the **ASB GlassFloor**, a cutting-edge **LED-embedded glass court** debuting at the college level. The immersive digital surface, previously used at the NBA All-Star Weekend and FIBA tournaments, allows dynamic branding, on-court graphics, live stats, and interactive fan-show flourishes. Head coaches Pope and Brooks have both expressed enthusiasm about integrating this new technology into the spectacle. ([ukathletics.com][2])

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### 🏟️ Venue & Atmosphere

Rupp Arena, which seats over 20,500 thrilled fans, transforms into a vibrant hub each October to ignite “Big Blue Nation” ahead of the season proper. The 2025 event marks the **20th time** Madness has been staged at this iconic venue. ([ukathletics.com][1])

Beyond basketball itself, expect high-energy lighting and sound, cheerleading performances, pep band energy, and family-friendly fan zones—all crafted to reflect the program’s deep-rooted traditions and impassioned fan culture.

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### 📅 Context & Significance

More than a spectacle, *Big Blue Madness* is a major recruiting opportunity, a media magnet, and a celebration of Kentucky’s basketball legacy. It provides fans their first real look at new players—especially freshmen, transfers, and potential stars—while honoring the program’s history and extending its culture. ([aseaofblue.com][3])

As UK men’s basketball enters the 2025‑26 campaign—fresh off Coach Pope’s early efforts and transitioning from veteran core to fresh talent—*Big Blue Madness* will serve as both a statement and a showcase. The women’s program under Coach Brooks—fresh off surprise **NCAA Tournament success in 2024**—will similarly use the stage to kick off a season of promise.

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### 🔔 Final Word for Fans

Doors open at **5:30 p.m. ET** on October 11. Given likely sold‑out status and heavy traffic, fans are advised to arrive early, use mobile tickets, and ready their digital wallet passes. Parking, concessions, and access will be card-only and cashless, following venue guidelines. ([ukathletics.com][4])

With its mix of tradition, emerging talent, entertainment value, and innovative technology, Big Blue Madness 2025 is set to deliver an unforgettable night for “Big Blue Nation.” Fans eager to celebrate another season of Kentucky basketball and be part of the hype should mark their calendars, prepare their tickets, and get ready for a monumental night at Rupp Arena.

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*For more updates on Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball, follow @KentuckyMBB and @KentuckyWBB on X, or visit Athletics”