UK hosted its annual Big Blue Madness Friday night and it proved once again to be a spectacular show.
The tradition of Midnight Madness is one that’s mainstream across the nation at every level of college hoops. But then there’s the way Kentucky handles its Big Blue Madness.
Midnight Madness: Lip-synching, NBA 2k tournaments and Tom Izzo's costumes
Like many other programs, the Wildcats have player introductions, scrimmages and musical performances, but none quite live up to the hype and expectation of the production of the annual event at Rupp Arena every year. Besides, who else can say they have a VIP blue carpet event leading into the main attraction?
Come take a walk with us and into #BBM17 on the VIP blue carpet. #EmbraceMadness #EmbraceTheStage pic.twitter.com/y384EPO94Q
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 13, 2017
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The stars are rolling through the blue carpet at #BBM17. #EmbraceTheStage #EmbraceMadness pic.twitter.com/mWJ458KAhG
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 13, 2017
Kentucky fans rushed to their spots in line and camped out three days before tickets were released a few weeks ago in order to secure spots for one of Lexington’s biggest events of the year.
After each individual player was announced Saturday night — and showcased their own personal dance moves — Wildcats coach John Calipari gave his annual state of the program address where he complimented and acknowledged Big Blue Nation for their support every year. He then described how this year’s squad is poised for success through hard work and dedication.
Your 2017-18 Kentucky Wildcats. #BBM17 #EmbraceMadness #EmbraceTheStage pic.twitter.com/qrPW09w5zd
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 14, 2017
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Who danced best at #BBM17? pic.twitter.com/eLIwqGVnp3
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 14, 2017
Following Calipari’s speech, he introduced a familiar friend to the program as rapper Drake made an appearance, putting on a show for Kentucky fans.
#EmbraceDrake #BBM17 #EmbraceMadness #EmbraceTheStage pic.twitter.com/V2dw6gHBFy
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 14, 2017
Bromance #BBM17 @Drake @UKCoachCalipari pic.twitter.com/YXyt6zY2Se
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 14, 2017
The event ended with an intrasquad scrimmage between members of the 2017-18 Wildcats.
#EmbraceFamily #BBM17 pic.twitter.com/qmRe1y7qHS
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 14, 2017
This is Kentucky Basketball. #EmbraceTheStage pic.twitter.com/Wg3rpz1MoE
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 14, 2017
Kentucky begins its regular season against Utah Valley on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. ET inside Rupp Arena.
