Big Blue Madness will be played on interactive glass floor

by:Zack Geoghegan•about 9 hours•

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Screenshot of Rupp Arena with ASB GlassFloor - UK Athletics

Mark Pope told the Kentucky fanbase that this year’s edition of Big Blue Madness would go “next level” with attractions that had never been seen in college basketball before. We’re beginning to learn more about exactly what level Pope was talking about.

On Wednesday afternoon, UK announced that this year’s Big Blue Madness will partner with ASB GlassFloor, a global leader in innovative sports flooring, to create a “full LED video sports floor allowing for interactive applications” throughout the entire event. Kentucky will be the first college basketball program to utilize this technology, which was also used during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend.

“This is something that’s never been seen in college basketball before,” Pope said in UK’s press release. “Big Blue Madness is one of the great spectacles in all of sports. We are so excited for Kentucky Basketball to be the first college program to partner with ASB GlassFloor, bringing this exciting technology to Big Blue Nation. Our team can’t wait to put on a show in Rupp Arena on Oct. 11.”

Below are a couple of videos of what the ASB GlassFloor can do from the NBA All-Star Weekend in February.

Both the Kentucky men’s and women’s teams will play on the interactive floor for BBM, which “promises to elevate fan engagement and redefine the future of collegiate sports.” The court will create visual experiences for both fans and players. LED technology is installed underneath the glass on the floor, effectively turning it into a giant TV screen that can used however the video folks at UK please. The floor can change colors, animations, and even show replays.

The ASB GlassFloor can also provide real-time data, in-game activations, and, of course, unique branding opportunities. The company also emphasizes the design and durability of the court, ensuring that it’s safe enough to play on.

Pope promised something we’ve never seen before, and this surely meets the criteria. Big Blue Madness is set for Friday, Oct. 11. Tickets for the annual preseason event go on sale Friday.