Big Blue Madness tickets will be available online-only, distributed Oct. 1

Big Blue Madness will make its return in 2021, with tickets available online on Friday, Oct. 1. The popular campout leading up to the event, as previously announced, will not take place.

The annual tipoff to the Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball seasons will be held Oct. 15 in Rupp Arena at 7 p.m. ET.

Tickets available exclusively online

UK Athletics announced Monday that Big Blue Madness tickets will be available exclusively online at Ticketmaster.com and through the Ticketmaster app starting at 8 p.m. ET on Oct. 1. Like previous years, all tickets will be free.

Tickets will be limited to four per household, with a minimal service fee attached to all orders. Duplicate orders will automatically be canceled. Due to high demand, tickets are not guaranteed.

A limited number of tickets will be available for UK students, with information posted online at UKStudentTix.com once details are finalized. With limited quantities available, students may wish to consider ordering through the public distribution on Friday. 

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.

Masks required

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.

The event will feature introductions of 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 COVID-19.

SEC Network will televise Big Blue Madness live for fans unable to attend in person.

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.