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Kentucky Kernel

The Student News Site of University of Kentucky

Kentucky Kernel

The Student News Site of University of Kentucky

Kentucky Kernel

Kentucky guard Collin Chandler dunks the ball over head coach Mark Pope during Big Blue Madness on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Matthew Mueller | Staff

PHOTOS: Big Blue Madness 2024

Matthew Mueller, Photo Editor October 13, 2024

The University of Kentucky men's and women's basketball teams hosted their annual preseason event, Big Blue Madness, on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

BROADCAST: Big Blue Madness 2024 makes history

Lauren Smiley, Broadcaster October 12, 2024

The University of Kentucky hosted the annual Big Blue Madness, with this year breaking NCAA history. UK will be the first ever college to have a glass, LED court below them as they kick off their preseason.

Kentucky mens basketball head coach John Calipari talks to fans during an open practice and telethon benefitting flood victims in Eastern Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky basketball hosts 2022 Big Blue Madness event

Cole Parke, Sports Editor October 18, 2022

Kentucky basketball kicked off its annual Big Blue Madness event on Friday, properly introducing UK fans to both the mens and womens basketball teams. The event kicked off with the ‘Big Blue Carpet,"...

UKPD officers and security form a neon yellow line in the middle of the road to monitor and prevent campers from rushing the lawn on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Kentucky. At 5 a.m. the campers will be released and allowed to set up their campsites. Photo by Carter Skaggs | Staff

The 2022 Big Blue Campout: A Big Blue disappointment

Samantha Money, Asst. Sports Editor October 16, 2022

The Big Blue Madness campout is a tradition that has been around on the University of Kentucky’s campus for several years. Every year, hundreds of Kentucky basketball fans rush to pitch their tents...

Fans cheer during an open practice and telethon benefitting flood victims in Eastern Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Isabel McSwain | Kentucky Kernel

Fans share expectations for Kentucky mens basketball ahead of Big Blue Madness

Samantha Money, Asst. Sports Editors October 13, 2022

With temperatures starting to drop in Lexington, it’s nearly time for Kentucky basketball to bring the heat to Rupp Arena. It was an abrupt goodbye to last year’s team when the St. Peter's Peacocks...

Campers rush to throw down their tents and blankets to claim a space on the lawn of Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Carter Skaggs | Staff

‘It’s that Kentucky thing.’ Big Blue Madness Campout brings UK basketball fans together

Laurel Swanz, Reporter October 5, 2022

The lawn surrounding Memorial Coliseum transformed into a sea of tents and UK-blue T-shirts last weekend at the Big Blue Madness Campout, returning for the first time since 2019 due to COVID. Over 300...

The sun sets behind rows of tents during the Tent City Live event outside Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Lexington, Kentucky. Fans campout in order to have the chance to claim free Big Blue Madness tickets. Photo by Jordan Prather | Kentucky Kernel

Kentucky basketball announces return of Big Blue Madness campout

Samantha Money, Staff Writer September 14, 2022

For the first time since 2019, Big Blue Madness will feature the Madness campout outside Memorial Coliseum. The long-standing tradition is a staple of basketball season at the University of Kentucky...

Kentucky guard Kellan Grady (31) dribbles the ball during a practice on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Jack Weaver | Staff

Five takeaways from Big Blue Madness 2021

Barkley Truax October 15, 2021

“Tonight is the tip-off of a new season,” Kentucky men’s basketball head coach John Calipari said.Basketball is back in the bluegrass for the 2021-22 men’s and women’s hoops season at last.“What...

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops waves to fans during the Cat Walk before the No. 16 University of Kentucky vs. LSU game on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Jack Weaver | Staff

Why Big Blue Madness is an afterthought this year

Barkley Truax October 15, 2021

Kentucky fans have used the term “just wait ‘till basketball season” to death over the years. In 2021–that saying couldn’t be more irrelevant.We’re just hours away until Big Blue Madness takes...

UK fans rush the lawn in front of Memorial Coliseum to camp out for Big Blue Madness tickets at 5:00am on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Michael Clubb | Staff

Skinned knees were the only casualties at this year’s Big Blue Madness rush for tickets

Sydney Momeyer September 25, 2019

This year’s Big Blue Madness started as it does every year… with madness.At 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, those wishing to obtain their Big Blue Madness tickets lined up along Avenue of Champions, tents...

Kernel Opinion SIG

Tickets to Kentucky sporting events are too expensive

November 5, 2018

There is nothing greater than watching the Cats battle it out on the gridiron or on the basketball court, with screaming fans, blue shirts, blue hoodies and the UK fight song whistling through the air.But...

Women's basketball head coach Matthew Mitchell performs with the dance team during Big Blue Madness on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Jordan Prather | Staff

Matthew Mitchell calls Ciara’s shout out ‘incredible’

October 23, 2018

Matthew Mitchell’s dance at 2018 Big Blue Madness might not have been his best or most creative, but it probably is one of his favorites because of the recognition he’s received from it. At Big Blue...

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