LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky Athletics will distribute tickets for Big Blue Madness presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass exclusively online through Ticketmaster beginning Friday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. ET, according to UK Athletics.

The annual basketball showcase is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com and the Ticketmaster app, with a limit of two tickets per household. Online orders are free but include a minimal service fee.

Kentucky Athletics noted that due to high demand and limited availability, the department cannot guarantee all fans will receive tickets. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to attend the event.

University of Kentucky students can register for a lottery through Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. ET via UKStudentTix.com. Students not selected in the lottery may participate in the public distribution on Sept. 18. Select BBN United members will also have an opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public release. Fans interested in membership eligibility can sign up at BBNUnited.com by Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET, with memberships starting at $19.99 per month.

The return of Big Blue Madness Fan Fest presented by Kroger is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, with additional details to be announced. UK Athletics said broadcast details and additional event information will be shared at a later date.