4th annual Before the Madness event set for Sunday

Big Blue Madness is exactly one week from today, but your first opportunity to see members of the 2024-25 Kentucky basketball teams will happen this weekend.

On Sunday, the fourth annual Before the Madness event will be held as the lead-in to next Friday’s Big Blue Madness. For those who have attended Before the Madness in the past, this year’s edition will look a bit different than what you’re used to.

Usually held on the same day as Big Blue Madness inside Central Bank Center, Before the Madness has been bumped up a few days and moved closer to campus. The Cornerstone Esports Lounge located at 401 S Limestone will serve as the host site. The event will run from 3-8:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, Oct. 6 with members of both the men’s and women’s teams expected to make appearances throughout.

Before the Madness is free to the public and University of Kentucky students. An optional RSVP is available on BBNvolved where you will be gifted a free Before the Madness branded hat for signing up ahead of time. UK merch and Big Blue Madness tickets will also be distributed. Parking at Cornerstone Parking Garage will be available free of charge.

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be appearing at Before the Madness this Sunday October 6th! There will be a free meet and greet at 4:00 with me and some of my teammates. We’ll also be giving away UK merch and 2 tickets to Big Blue Madness. See you there!😸 pic.twitter.com/NXRmVCX9pf

— Cassidy Rowe (@Crowe_523) October 4, 2024

So what should you, a die-hard member of the Big Blue Nation, expect to see at BTM?

For starters, several members of the Kentucky women’s basketball team will show up for a meet-and-greet that is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. EST. The likes of Clara Strack, Cassidy Rowe, Lexi Blue, Teonni Key, Dazia Lawrence, Jordan Obi, and Gabby Brooks are expected to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Around 5:30 p.m. EST, members of the men’s team will arrive with walk-ons Grant Darbyshire and Walker Horn listed as expected attendees. Keep in mind that the roster lineup is subject to change.

For those who enjoyed the petting zoo and inflatable obstacle courses from the last few years of Before the Madness, you might be out of luck. Instead, video game tournaments featuring games such as NBA2K24, EA Sports College Football, Mario Kart, and more will fill the event. Local artists will also attend to showcase/sell their work. A raffle giveaway (free to enter) will cap off the night around 7:00 p.m. where over $1,000 worth of UK gear will be handed out.

We’ll see you there.