When is Big Blue Madness? Latest on the 2024 Basketball Season Start

The biggest celebration in all of college basketball is approaching under a new basketball regime with coach Mark Pope at the helm of the Men's basketball program and Kenny Brooks as the head women's basketball coach.

Pope comes into the program with high acclaim and excitement for Kentucky fans. As a captain of the 1996 team, he helped lead the program to a National Championship. He only knew winning in the two seasons he played for Kentucky as he won two SEC championships and one National Championship. He came to the Wildcats as a transfer from the University of Washington after two seasons, one in which he won Pac-10 Freshman of the Year.

Pope would remember the Big Blue Madness as a player, though it was called Midnight Madness at the time. Pope was there in 1995 when the festivities included seniors dressing up and soaring into the Arena, according to the Kentucky Wildcats official website. "The preseason No. 1 team in the nation was introduced with the premier of “Cat Fan Forever.” Seniors Walter McCarty and Tony Delk swooped down on ropes from high above dressed as “Cat”man and Robin."

What will it look like this year? It will be packed, it will be loud, it will be crazy; that much can be assured. Pope and Brooks will ensure it's rowdy and fun for the fans. So when is it?

This year, Big Blue Madness will be on October 11, and the time is still to be announced. You can plan for it to be sold out, but you must secure tickets ASAP. Though Pope has mentioned that he would restore the campout according to the Lexington-Herald Ledger. Either way, plan early if you want to attend, for Kentucky had to turn away more than 5,000 fans from Pope's introductory press conference. More information will be coming shortly from the athletics department.

It is a great opportunity to bring in high-profile recruits and showcase the excitement and energy of Kentucky basketball. While we can be assured that Pope will have many of the best recruits in attendance, there is a damper on this year's date for Big Blue Madness in the recruiting department as a good chunk will be at the USA Basketball Junior National Team October Minicamp in Colorado.

As more information and details are announced, we will make sure to bring you all the latest updates.