Big Blue Madness 2025: The First Roar of the Season

Nothing in college basketball kicks off a season quite like Big Blue Madness, and this year’s spectacle promises to be bigger than ever. Presented by RMHC, the annual celebration of Kentucky basketball returns Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Rupp Arena, with doors opening for fans eager to catch the very first glimpse of the 2025–26 Wildcats. Expect introductions of both the men’s and women’s teams, high-flying drills, dazzling lights, and the kind of energy only the Big Blue Nation can deliver.

Here’s the detail every Wildcat fan wants: free tickets will be available starting Friday, September 26 at 5:00 PM ET. You can claim them exclusively through Ticketmaster.com or the Ticketmaster app. Each account is limited to two tickets, and history shows they disappear fast. In fact, they’re usually gone within minutes. Translation: set your alarms, double-check your Wi-Fi, and be ready to click as soon as the clock hits 9:00.

This year, UK is also expanding the fun with the BBN United Fan Fest, a pre-event celebration outside Rupp. Fans can expect games, food trucks, interactive activities, and a chance to share in the hype before stepping inside for the main event. It’s a full day designed to celebrate Kentucky basketball, from the youngest fans to those who have cheered since Rupp’s early days.