Kentucky announces must-attend Fan Fest at Big Blue Madness

Are you attending Big Blue Madness? Excellent, can’t wait to see you at Rupp Arena. Were you unable to secure tickets, which sold out in 29 minutes? That’s okay too — we’ll still see you at Rupp Arena.

It’s going to be an all-day affair in Lexington on Saturday, starting with the BBN United Fan Fest Presented by Kroger, which sounds like a must-attend event, if you ask Mark Pope. That’s scheduled for Noon to 4:30 p.m. ET in the Exhibit Hall at Central Bank Center, he confirmed at Kentucky Media Day.

There, the Wildcats will hang out with fans, sign autographs and take pictures before things get crazy at Rupp Arena for BBM later in the evening. The event, which also features food trucks, booths and games, will be free to attend, just like Madness — only tickets will not be necessary.

“I’m so excited about Big Blue Madness, as always. We’re introducing something brand new, which is going to be the Fan Fest, which is going to go from noon to 4:30. One of the greatest things about Big Blue Madness that separates us from everything else is — I think the whole arena is sold out in 29 minutes, but this is going to be open to everybody in the public for free,” Pope announced. “You don’t have to have a ticket to Big Blue Madness. I’m going to be there. The guys are going to be there signing, talking, pictures. We’re going to have a bunch of booths there and food there and games there.

“It’s just an opportunity for us to just reach out and actually touch and hug every single member of Big
Blue Nation. It’s going to be unbelievable. … I can’t wait. It’s going to be so fun.”

Kentucky had already announced Fan Fest, but details of when and where are brand new. In total, the free event will feature the following:

• 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

Media Day was Monday, followed by UK Pro Day on Tuesday, then Fan Fest and Big Blue Madness on Saturday.

It’s all here, folks. The most wonderful time of the year in Lexington.

BBN United Fan Fest Schedule

12:30–1 p.m. – Coach Mark Pope on stage
1:15–1:45 p.m. – Coach Kenny Brooks on stage
1:45 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Team introduced
2–2:45 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Team Autograph Session
2:45 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Team introduced
3 –4 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Team Autograph Session

The National Championship trophies will be on display, along with inflatables, face-painting, a live DJ, and much, much more. Find more information at UKAthletics.com.