One of the greatest times of the year for University of Kentucky basketball fans is the start of a new season. A new season brings high expectations, new players and an anticipation about what lies ahead. No college basketball team embraces this moment better than the University of Kentucky.
The University of Kentucky practically invented the concept of Midnight Madness. In order to get on the practice court at the first moment allowed by NCAA, Kentucky began holding a practice each year one minute after midnight. Fans would camp outside Memorial Coliseum before the event in order to get a ticket inside. Each year the new Wildcats team would take the court at midnight before the most loyal of the loyal UK fans. The program cover featured here is from the Midnight Madness before the 1987-88 season, from October 14, 1987.
Midnight Madness has become part of the fabric of being a UK basketball fan. As the event has grown in scope and production it outgrew the confines of Memorial Coliseum and is now held at Rupp Arena. What other team in the country could fill a 23,000 seat arena for Midnight Madness? The event, now called Big Blue Madness, no longer has to be held at midnight, but still packs the same enthusiasm and excitement.
This season's Big Blue Madness should be a special event. The anticipation for the 2009-10 season and the arrival of new coach John Calipari has UK fans counting down the days until practice can begin. The tradition of Midnight Madness will always be a true University of Kentucky basketball tradition and fans will continue to pack the event each year to get a first look at the new edition of their Big Blue heroes.
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