Big Blue Madness tickets sold out in less than an hour

It took less than 60 minutes for the Big Blue Nation to claim 20,545 tickets for Big Blue Madness 2021.

Despite ticket distribution being limited to online-only this year, the prestigious event sold out in just under an hour Friday evening. Due to health and safety measures, tickets were available exclusively online at Ticketmaster.com and through the Ticketmaster app starting Friday at 8 p.m. ET. Tickets were free again this year.

Event information

Big Blue Madness – the anticipated tipoff to the 2021-22 Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball seasons – will take place Oct. 15 in Rupp Arena at 7 p.m. ET. The two-hour event will also be broadcast live on SEC Network.

UK Athletics strongly encourages fans to neither buy nor sell their Big Blue Madness tickets. Additionally, ticket holders should be aware of the potential risks of posting pictures of their tickets, specifically the barcode, on the internet in any way. For more information about ticket security, visit UKathletics.com/TicketSecurity. All patrons require a ticket to Big Blue Madness, regardless of age.
 
Big Blue Madness Presented by Papa John’s will feature introductions of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, practice drills, videos, and more. This will be the 16th time Madness has been held in Rupp Arena. Last year’s event took place in Memorial Coliseum as a TV-only event for fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
All patrons require a ticket for Big Blue Madness, regardless of age.

Health and safety protocols

While continuing to monitor the latest health and safety guidelines from local and national authorities, UK Athletics plans to operate venues at full capacity this season, including at Big Blue Madness.
 
Regardless of vaccination status, all guests, staff and vendors will be required to wear a mask while visiting Rupp Arena. Fans will not be required to show proof of vaccination to enter Rupp Arena, but face coverings – covering the nose and mouth – are required for all fans as they watch the game from their assigned seat and enter, exit and move around Rupp Arena. Children 2 and younger will not be required to wear a mask. If spectators are unable to wear masks, they are encouraged not to attend games in person for the sake of their health and the health of others.
 
For fans attending Big Blue Madness and all 2021-22 events at Rupp Arena this season, all items are subject to search due to security reasons and the Southeastern Conference clear bag policy is in place.  Backpacks and large bags are prohibited. Guests may enter Rupp Arena with one clear bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ plus a small clutch that does not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″. A clear bag shall be clear from top-to-bottom and a 2′ trim/border is generally acceptable. To expedite entry into Rupp Arena, fans are encouraged not to bring a bag to sporting events at Rupp Arena.