On September 29th the state of Kentucky was in a frenzy as people scrambled to reserve their spot in line to get tickets for big blue madness. The campus at the University of Kentucky surrounding Memorial Coliseum took on a mini tent city appearance as hundreds of wildcat fans camped out to be a part of the 2010-2011 basketball season. Members of big blue nation passed the time by grilling out, playing cards and corn hole and for the numerous UK students doing homework. Showing once again that the UK basketball tradition is alive and well in the bluegrass nation.
Big Blue Madness happened on Friday October 15th. I was in the Eruption Zone and thought “it doesn’t get better than this”, as I saw Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, Stacey Poole, Jarrod Polson and Eloy Vargas walk literally right in front of me and then onto the court. I have never been to any game that could compare to what I saw or heard at Rupp that night; I’m almost certain we could be heard states away! There was music all night, along with free shirts and goodies they through into the crowd. It was a great night and will forever stick with me!
61 comments:
I really wanted to get tickets to Big Blue Madness, however I didn't have it in me to camp out for that long to get them! I heard it was an awesome experience. I can't wait for the season to start, I got to support my CATS!
-Paige Hofmann
This is my first year here at UK and I didnt realize how big basketball really was until I saw the tents outside of Memorial COllesium 5 days before the tickets were even being sold! I thought it was crazy!! But it is fun to be apart of a school that has that much school spirit and such a hyped up atmosphere!
I was hoping that I would be able to go this year due to the fact that I have never been in the four years I have been at Uk. I am sure that it was fun. I love being at school with as much school spirit as Kentucky!
Andrew Wyatt
Wish I could have been there, and hope to get to go next year! Looked like tons of fun for all who went, and can't wait to get the chance to represent my big blue spirit in games to come!
-Bethany Davis
What an amazing spirit Kentucky fans have. It amazes me that people camp out to get tickets to events. I went last year and although I was in the "nose bleed" section, it was an amazing tradition to be a part of. Go Big Blue!
Brooke Stone
I love our school spirit. It's what makes UK so awesome! I've never had the chance to go to Big Blue Madness, but it seems like something really great to be a part of. I know that this season will be the best one yet!
I went to the lottery for big blue madness but we never got tickets! I was really mad i couldnt go because it looked like alot of fun and i have never been to a UK basketball game before. I cant wait until the season starts so hopefully i have a chance to go! I heard it was so much fun and it was really crazy like you said!
I didn't get tickets to Big Blue Madness however I did get to see some of it on Tv. It looked like a lot of fun! School spirit is so important here at UK, and everyone wants to see all of our teams succeed especially the basketball team. I really hope that I get the chance to at least attend one game this season.
Julie Sutton
When I first came to UK, I had no clue what Big Blue Madness was or how big basketball is to the college. As I went by the memorial colisum I would recognize all the tents and wonder why are there some many people lining up. But to my surprise its the practice of the new players. If people stay in the cold for three days just to get tickets for a practice I wonder how it will be for the actual game.
Big Blue Madness seems like such a fun event! I personally have never been, but this blog post definitely made me want to go. It is so neat to see how school spirited the University is and also just fans from across the state.
-Abby Hurley
Before coming to UK, I had never heard of Big Blue Madness before. It was crazy seeing everyone camped outside days before the tickets were being sold! There is so much UK spirit here, especially when it comes to basketball. I cannot wait until I can finally go to a basketball game!
I attended Big Blue Madness and thought it was pretty awesome! I got my tickets by going to the lottery. Unfortunately, mine were at the top in the nose bleed section, but I wouldn't of missed going! Many of my friends camped out three nights before they could even get the tickets. That just comes to show how supportive UK fans are! I loved feeling the spirit of UK while at the event.
Big Blue Madness was very exciting this year. From the fog machines to the blue spiderman fans, you could tell that this season of UK basketball will be another one for the books. The people camping outside Memorial Collesium really shows how dedicated the fans are.
-Olivia Rink
Basketball is such a huge part of UK's atmosphere, and Big Blue Madness is such a fun way to kick off the season. I was not fortunate enough to get tickets, but it looked like it was an awesome experience!
Lauren Brickey
Its so crazy to see how big basketball is here at Kentucky. I can not believe people camped out for hours just to get tickets. I guess if you are a true die hard fan then it is definitely worth it. I talked to some of my friends who went to Big Blue Madness and sat in the eruption zone and they said it was so much fun! I hope i get a chance to go to at least one basketball game this year.
I didn't go to big blue madness, but many of my friends did, and said that it was so exciting to have the UK basketball season officially begin! I was watching it on tv, and although the players were obviously not walking out right next to me, i still got chills watching them walk out with their own dance moves. I could feel the excitmemnt and true passion for the UK basketball program from the tents camping out, to the crowd shown on tv during big blue madness.
I didn't go to big blue madness but many of my friends camped out for the tickets. I have respect for all the UK fans that camped out because during the night it got down to the 40's and sleeping on the cold ground doesn't help when trying to keep warm. It just goes to show that UK has lots of fans that will do anything for UK, because they really do Bleed Blue!
-Jillian Dunaway
Meredith Gross
I'm so jealous you got to go to Big Blue Madness! I unfortunately was not able to. The pictures are very realistic. The one from the street, is definitely what Memorial Coliseum looked like every day that I passed. Also the picture from the Eruption Zone is fantastic! I also find it very valuable that the students that wrote the blog went to Big Blue Madness, so they actually new what they were talking about and the information in the blog was valid.
I was lucky enough to go to Big Blue Madness and it was awesome. I love walking into Rupp arena and seeing all the blue. It really makes me feel at home when you're in that building and everyone in the crowd is as crazy as me. I love the picture of the camp out because the madness camp out is very important part of the madness experience and shows how die hard our fans are.
Drew McCombs
I like this post on Big Blue Madness. The picture of the tents outside doesn't even give justice to how many tents were out there. For my work I had to go to all the tents and pass out discount cards and freebies and it took hours. I like the second picture with the view from the Erupption Zone! I have been lucky enough to be down there and even on the court for UK games. It truly shows that UK has a great basketball tradition and a fan base that no other school can compare to.
-Nicole Benz
Ive never been to big blue madness, but i heard its insane, and quiet the experience. I cant imagine being the players and being announced in front of everyone like that for the first time! That feeling would be insane and once in a life time! Ha, days before all the tents set up outside memorial was a sight to see. Since its such a big tradition at UK i better check it out next year!
I love how I am a part of the long tradition and pride of Kentucky basketball; especially in this time where I think the team is working towards regaining the national title! The only downside to this is that tickets are nearly impossible to get. I haven't been able to experience a basketball game yet, and as you described, it seems like an event definitely not to miss out on. But it is great to see the mile long line of students waiting outside of Memorial awaiting the season opening of our biggest sport. Every school has an overwhelming sense of pride and support for their teams, but it is so much more satisfying when you can say the team you represent is one of the best!
I was born and raised a U of L fan so coming to UK my freshman year and experiencing the atmosphere of Rupp Arena was very difficult. After being here for three years my love for UK has grown, except when they are playing U of L of course, and I am proud to go to UK. By the way, great pictures! It looks like you had really great seats.
-Elena Jones
Kentucky basketball has many die-hard fans; they sat outside for days without a care of missing work or other priorities. I go to CATS, the academic center for athletes, and as I passed by many of them were asking the players for autographs or taking pictures with them. However, this game was a tremendous event that was worth the wait for tickets.
-Kayla Sienkowski
BIg Blue Madness is absolutely ridiculously insane! I didn't get to attend this year, but I have experienced it before, and it was a great time. I feel like its a reunion for all Uk fans! I recommend anyone who hasn't been before to go. It's an experience as a college student you shouldn't miss out on.
-Amber Olinger
I was actually driving back into Lexington while Big Blue Madness was getting started. seeing all the crazy spirit in the town, fans everywhere and all the blue was awesome! I hope that next year I'll be able to go to Big Blue Madness instead of just seeing clips on TV. It looked like a lot of fun and a great way to start the season.
Unfortunately i didnt get to go but i could only imagine looking around and seeing thousands of fans in blue going crazy for these players!! We are so lucky to go to school with these kids who will probably go into the NBA and watch first hand where they begin their career!
Big blue madness seems to be a very big tradition here at UK. For the three years I have been here, I have never seen anything like it. People literally camp out for days just to get tickets. I could not do anything like that, or maybe because I'm not a UK fan, I just go to school here.
Though I did not attend Big Blue Madness, my boyfriend did with his family, and they seemed to have a great time! I did however experience the crowds of people, all lined up in tents along university sidewalks. Though they gave me headaches between class, and really made me thankful that at least I could shower, it's good to know that the lines were all worth it!
-Rob Stromquist
I'm as big of a Cats fan as they come but I can't imagine camping out for days for tickets to Big Blue Madness. I heard of people selling their tickets for as much as $100 to attend this event! Looking forward to the upcoming season and cheering on our Cats at they make a run for their 8th championship.
-Kasey Paterson
I was unable to attend Big Blue madness but it looked like a great time. I got to see some previews on TV from it and really wish I could have gone. Camping out looks like a good time, especially with all your friends and some family members. It's amazing how long people will wait to support UK basketball and attend their events.
Jessica Stockdale
This is my first year at UK and I was lucky enough to get eruption zone tickets at the lottery! Big Blue Madness was so much fun. I had never been and haven't been to a basketball game yet. I am super excited for the basketball season though. I didn't really understand how intense it got until I saw all of the tents lined up while people waited to get their tickets.
I personally did not get the priviledge of attending Big Blue Madness. I have a group of friends, though, who camped out outside of Memorial Coliseum and actually ended up being fortunate enough to get tickets. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Big Blue Madness. I did manage to watch it on television, but I guarantee that experiencing it in real-life was much more exhilarating!
Erin McGee
I really wanted to get tickets to Big Blue because of all of the hype from last year but I never got around to it with my 8am classes :( I heard it was a crazy, awesome experience and that everyones favorite part was getting to meet the players! GO UK!!
I feel as though Big Blue Madness is an important event to have been coverd on the blog. From my knowledge it has always been a big deal for kentuckians to be involved in this event. What other way is there but to go crazy and have a fun time with friends supporting our kentucky wilcats!!
-jannifer buchanan
I attended Big Blue Madness for the first time this year and it was soooooooo much fun!! I was sitting in the Eruption Zone and was second row so I could see it all!! I saw all the mens basketball players and high-fived the entire Women's basketball team plus their coach. I can't wait to go again next year!
-Elizabeth Griffith
Big Blue madness is awesome because it means that basketball season is here! My family went, and a bunch of my friends, but I wAS out at dinner, so I got to watch bits and pieces of it on TV. It wasnt quite the same. It's something that you really have to experience!
Big Blue Madness is an important event for wildcat fans! It is also a really fun event to attend, it is difinitely something every UK student and wildcat fan who bleeds blue has to attend!!!
-Amanda Birch
I did not attend this event but I can just imagine how huge it was and how crazy people were! I usually work on saturday nights so I witness all of the football fans surrounding the commonwealth stadium and all the traffic that comes with it! I know the basketball fans are even worse.
I also attended Big Blue Madness and thought it was such a unique experience! The excitement was radiating throughout the stadium as the players were introduced and walked out onto the court. It was so encouraging to see the amount of school spirit UK has! I’m sure this enthusiasm provided for lots of ticket sales. This is an incredible marketing opportunity for the UK athletics department!
I can honestly say i am sooo jealous of people that got to go to midnight madness. i live on north campus so i all of what looked like hundreds of tents set up. It was crazy! they started setting stuff up on a wednesday and the tickets didnt get sold until saturday. People are really dedicated to this kind of stuff. Hearing about all the excitement and everything that went on makes me want to try and go next year
-Adria Hearn
Kentucky has one of the best fan bases I have ever seen. I stayed in blazer last year so I would always notice the tents adding up day to day. I don't honestly think I would do it, but hey more power to the people that do. This is one of the most major events when it comes to introducing the basketball players, and giving their fans something to look for with the up and coming season.
I was born and raised a Louisville fan and still am, but coming to UK I cannot wait to get tickets to a basketball game. Basketball is such a huge tradition and I am ready to be apart of it. Last year my Kentucky spirit grew as my dad and I watched Kentucky more that Louisville. I'm ready to cheer for the Cats as long as they arn't playing the Cards.
I think UK has fans unlike any other in the world. The spirit is great to see around campus. This is my first year at UK and I had no idea that people would camp out so early in advance to get tickets. I think that really shows how dedicated we are to our kentucky basketball team!
Christine Wolfzorn
This recap really was a testament to the Tradition of Kentucky Basketball. The angle of your picture really depicts the atmosphere in the stadium that night. There are only a few institutions that come close to imitating UK's love for basketball.
-Luebab Ahmed
Before I graduate I have to go to Big Blue Madness. I want to experience the camping out and all the excitement that it entails. I think it shows just how much school spirit UK has. I have never had any bad things about Big Blue Madness and I'm sure it will be just as good next year.
I love going to Big Blue Madness!! Not only do you get to see the team's first practice, but you get lots of free stuff! It is the first chance for people to really show their Kentucky spirit since the season ended last year. Not only do you see tons of students, but there are grandparents, young children, young adults, and more, all wearing blue.
I wasn't able to attend Bug Blue Madness but did however get to camp out for three days in this tent city. It was so much fun just hanging out with friends and meeting new people. I would recommend doing this every year to anyone who is interested. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and plan on attending every year!
--Raegan Kuchar
Big Blue Madness is a great UK event that all students should attend at least once during their time at UK. Im a bit disappointed that they moved the time to 7:30 instead of midnight, kind of a let down. Looking forward to the wildcat basketball season this year!
UK basketball is crazy here!! Everyone comes together for the same reason and its out of control. Unfortunately I didnt get to go to Madness but a lot of my good friends went and it seemed like an awesome time. Maybe next year!
UK basketball is so awesome! Walking past all those people in tents everyday for that week was crazy. I cannot believe the amount of people that camped out for several days for those tickets. I'm glad UK basketball is as big as it was last year, I hope the team does great this year, too!
I went to Big Blue Madness last year and had a blast. This year I wasnt fortunate enough to score any tickets but I did however watch it on tv. I'm hoping to experience camping out at least one year while I'm attending school.
Kerri Prichard
I had tickets to Big Blue Madness and I ended up having to work so I couldn't go! I was so mad and heard it was awesome! I wish maybe this blog would have said a little more about what happened at the game, or any exciting moments.
Maggie Camp
I've always wanted to go to big blue madness buy never have gotten the chance. What I do love about it though is our school and towns dedication to college sports. People camped out for DAYS waiting to get tickets! That's just crazy to me.
Lauren Farinelli
I've never gotten to go to big blue madness. but from watching it on tv, it always looks like so much fun. its a chance for the fans to get to know who the players are.
Big Blue Madness was a huge event apparently. I myself am not into the sports madness but from all the campers in tents ranging from college students, babies, and the elderly. It was crazy to see so many kentucky fans waiting to see the players. It brings about a sense of pride to know that so many kentuckians came out to support the team.
Kentucky basketball is an absolute obsession of mine! I was in the eRUPPtion zone and couldn't have been more amazed at being able to be seated there as a college student for the first time. It was an entirely different experience. Of course, I was completely decked out in blue!
Big Blue Madness is the official start to the Kentucky basketball season, which the state is obsessed with. I love watching the Cats and although I didnt make it to BBM in person this year, it's definitely something every Kentucky fan should be a part of at least once in your lifetime, its an unbelievable experience.
-Matt Watt
Big Blue Madness was awesome! It was the most exhilerating experience being down on the court! In my opinion the girls performance with Coach Mitchell was more impressive than the boys'! I can't wait for the season to start!
-Kyrie Cloud
It is great that so many fans came out to show their support at Big Blue Madness! I would have loved to be able to be there and hope to be able to get seats in the eruption zone at some point during basketball season! It is crazy how many fans their are that were willing to set up tents and stay waiting just to be able to get into the Big Blue Madness game! I know that the fans at UK are always showing their support!
-Anne Hart Atchison
I attended Big Blue Madness and it was so much fun! We are very luck to be at a university that has such awesome fans! It definetley makes the games more exciting. I can't wait for the season to start for both boys and girls!!
-Jordan Jenkins
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