What to know about Kentucky basketball's Big Blue Madness: The campout for tickets returns

Brooks Holton, Louisville Courier Journal
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The countdown to tipoff is on for Kentucky basketball after the Wildcats' men's and women's teams set a date for their annual Big Blue Madness event.

Adding extra buzz to the high-profile first practice of the season, UK Athletics announced fans will again be allowed to camp overnight outside Memorial Coliseum to secure tickets to the free event for the first time since 2019.

Men's head coach John Calipari tweeted over the summer that the program was working to bring the campout back after the tradition was canceled the previous two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is unacceptable to not have a campout. It is part of what makes UK Basketball special," Calipari wrote. "We have some great ideas on how, where and when that will make it tremendous. Unless there is some sort of road block, campout will return!"

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Campers will be in for a busy weekend when they descend upon Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Oct. 1. Kentucky volleyball hosts Alabama at 1 p.m., and a watch party will be held for the Wildcats' football game at Ole Miss (kickoff time TBD), featuring the return of star running back Chris Rodriguez.

Here's what you need to know about the 2022 edition of Big Blue Madness:

When is Kentucky basketball's Big Blue Madness?

Big Blue Madness will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, in Rupp Arena.

When is the Big Blue Madness campout?

Campers can begin setting up outside Memorial Coliseum (201 Avenue of Champions) at 5 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.

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When will tickets to Big Blue Madness be distributed?

Kentucky head coach Kyra Elzy watches the action in the second half of the NCAA women's college basketball Southeastern Conference tournament championship game against South Carolina Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Kentucky head coach Kyra Elzy watches the action in the second half of the NCAA women's college basketball Southeastern Conference tournament championship game against South Carolina Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Tickets will be distributed starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Memorial Coliseum ticket windows.

Can you get Big Blue Madness tickets online?

Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe smiles as he's introduced during Big Blue Madness Friday evening in Rupp Arena. Oct. 15, 2021
Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe smiles as he's introduced during Big Blue Madness Friday evening in Rupp Arena. Oct. 15, 2021

Yes. Check the UK Athletics Ticket Office's website for more information as Big Blue Madness approaches.

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Will Big Blue Madness be televised?

The women's basketball team cheered their teammates on during the three-point contest at Big Blue Madness Friday evening. Oct. 15, 2021
The women's basketball team cheered their teammates on during the three-point contest at Big Blue Madness Friday evening. Oct. 15, 2021

Big Blue Madness 2022 will be broadcast on SEC Network and will be livestreamed on ESPN.com/watch.

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What recruits will be attending Big Blue Madness?

DJ Wagner, left, and Aaron Bradshaw of the NJ Scholars walk down the court during a break in an AAU basketball game on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Wagner and Bradshaw are among the top 2023 recruits in the country and have offers from both Louisville and Kentucky.
DJ Wagner, left, and Aaron Bradshaw of the NJ Scholars walk down the court during a break in an AAU basketball game on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Wagner and Bradshaw are among the top 2023 recruits in the country and have offers from both Louisville and Kentucky.

Uncommitted 2023 prospects DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw headline this year's group of recruits descending upon Lexington for Kentucky basketball's first practice of the season. For the full running list, click here.

Reach recruiting and trending sports reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What to know about Kentucky basketball's Big Blue Madness, campout