The good, the bad, and the awesome from FanFest and Big Blue Madness

Kentucky basketball’s annual Big Blue Madness made its long-awaited return to Saturday night, but this time it came with a twist. For the first time ever, Kentucky added a new pre-Madness event called BBN United FanFest, a massive fan experience designed to keep energy flowing all day long.

The good: An ambitious idea comes to life

The idea was ambitious, a four-hour block from noon to 4 p.m. filled with music, autographs, live podcasts, trophies, and interaction between fans, players, and coaches. It was the kind of concept that sounds like it should’ve existed all along. Fans began lining up hours before the gates opened to be among the first to take in the new festivities.

Inside, the setup was impressive. Kentucky rolled out its trophy cases, kids took turns on inflatable games, and even a tattoo booth was open. The highlight for many came from the “podcasters row,” where several popular Kentucky podcasts went live, and a film session with head coach Mark Pope, who broke down plays for the crowd.

The bad: Growing pains and fan frustration

Still, not everything went perfectly. While FanFest was free and open to the public, frustrations surfaced as autograph lines became overwhelming. With thousands in attendance, there was simply no way everyone could get through. Multiple fans reported being abruptly turned away after waiting in line for hours. But that was always going to happen.

In the future, Kentucky might consider a ticketed or wristband system to manage autograph access. Not the event itself, it being free is awesome. That would keep expectations realistic and ensure smoother experiences for everyone involved.

The awesome: Big Blue Madness delivers

If FanFest had some growing pains, Big Blue Madness itself was electric. From Kenny Brooks taking the court like a DJ to Mark Pope bringing out John Wall to join him in the legendary “John Wall Dance,” Rupp Arena absolutely erupted.

Trent Noah stole the show in the men’s three-point contest, dropping 30 points in the final round, while Collin Chandler claimed the dunk contest title with a soaring slam which you can see here. On the women’s side, Amelia Hassett took home the three-point crown. The night concluded with an emotional tribute as a lineup of Kentucky basketball legends walked out to thunderous applause.

There’s no denying it, Big Blue Madness is back, and it’s never looked better. FanFest has details to iron out, but the foundation is there for a tradition that could grow into something special.

Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion