Big Blue Madness Kicks Off Kentucky Basketball Season Tonight

Lexington, Kentucky – Big Blue Madness, the highly anticipated kickoff event for the Kentucky basketball season, is set for tonight at 6 p.m. ET in Rupp Arena. This year’s event marks the official start of the 2025-26 season under head coach Mark Pope.

The annual celebration will stream live on SEC Network+ via the ESPN app and will showcase player introductions, dunk and 3-point contests, along with scrimmages featuring both the men’s and women’s teams.

Before the main event, fans can join the BBN United Fan Fest presented by Kroger, which will include opportunities for autographs, photo opportunities, live music, and food trucks. Our correspondent Dylan Ballard will be present, bringing fan interactions with legends from UK basketball and potential future players and coaches.

Admission to Big Blue Madness is free, but all tickets were distributed on September 26 and sold out within two minutes. The event serves as a significant recruiting opportunity, with five-star prospects Jordan Smith Jr. and Caleb Holt, plus four-star big man Josh Irving, expected to attend.

With a standout roster and national spotlight, this year’s Big Blue Madness promises to deliver the electrifying atmosphere that defines Kentucky basketball.

Location: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center

Start Time: 6:00 PM ET, October 11, 2025

Stream: SEC Network+

Replay: WatchESPN available after the event.