Big Blue Madness will be 'bigger and bolder than ever' -- despite no campout (plus ticket, TV info)

Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks‘ first Big Blue Madness as the new head basketball coaches at Kentucky was one to remember. You had their introductions, the ASB GlassFloor, Rick Pitino‘s return, Lamont Butler’s rap song, former players back in Lexington, Mark Stoops taking a shot at Coach Cal (that one backfired), five-stars in attendance, celebrities on the blue carpet, 90s nostalgia and Collin Chandler bringing the roof down in the dunk contest.

What’s in store for year two? Those details are out now, BBM returning Saturday, October 11 and expected to be “bigger and bolder than ever,” as the Wildcats put it.

Now, there is some good news and some bad news for folks to be aware of before getting into the weeds: Kentucky will once again not host a BBM campout this year with tickets all virtual, available on Ticketmaster. Also, the event will begin at 6 PM ET, live on SEC Network+ — so no television broadcast, unfortunately, only streaming. 

There will, however, be a BBN United Fan Fest, scheduled for earlier in the day in and around Central Bank Center. Those details will be announced soon.

Until then, here is everything we know about BBM ’25.

Ticket Distribution

It sucks there won’t be a campout, but tickets are still free, 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 with a limit of four tickets per household and all duplicate orders will automatically be canceled. Tickets are not guaranteed due to high demand and all patrons will require a ticket, regardless of age.

Are you a UK student? A limited number of tickets will be held for you with information posted online at UKStudentTix.com. Student lottery registration closes on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. ET.

BBN United Fan Fest Info

Details regarding entry to BBN United Fan Fest will be announced at a later date, but until then, this is what you need to know about the pre-party at Rupp.

Fans are invited to experience the 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.

• 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

Big Blue Madness Info

What’s on the schedule for the good stuff? That’s always a secret, but this is what UK Athletics is willing to say about it as of late September:

• Live team and coach introductions
• SEC Network+ broadcast
• Special effects, performances and surprises
• Exclusive giveaways and commemorative items

BBN United Members Exclusive Sweepstakes

Are you a BBN United Member? Excellent, those 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. Winners will be selected and notified by Wednesday, Sept. 24, so if you’re not selected, you will still be able to participate in 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 BBM ticket raffle are just getting started.

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.

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Are you ready for the Madness?