Mark Pope has taken to his new job as Kentucky men’s basketball coach like a duck to water. He has seamlessly won over the Wildcats faithful and showed another example of his passion for the program by hyping up the upcoming Big Blue Madness event.
The 52-year-old was excited for the annual preseason event, saying they have planned a few things never seen before in college basketball during an appearance on Kentucky Sports Radio.
“We have some things in the works that have never been seen in college basketball before — I kid you not,” said Pope. “It’s going to be awesome. Big Blue Madness is always awesome. We’re trying to go next level.”
This year’s Big Blue Madness will see Pope and Kenny Brooks unveiled as the Wildcats’ new men’s and women’s basketball coaches, respectively. Excitement for the event is at a fever pitch, with tickets selling out in just 24 minutes, per UK Athletics.
Mark Pope hypes up new floor for Big Blue Madness
One of the most enthralling aspects of this year’s Big Blue Madness will be an innovative and stunning floor, especially for this event, which has never been seen in college basketball. The Wildcats have enlisted the services of ASB GlassFloor to create it.
This type of floor was seen in the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis and the 2024 Basketball World Cup Final, and Pope was delighted with the Wildcats’ move to enhance Big Blue Madness.
“This is something that’s never been seen in college basketball before. Big Blue Madness is one of the great spectacles in all of sports,” he said.
“We are so excited for Kentucky Basketball to be the first college program to partner with ASB GlassFloor, bringing this exciting technology to Big Blue Nation. Our team can’t wait to put on a show in Rupp Arena on Oct. 11.”
Last year, the Wildcats went all out for Big Blue Madness as four-time NBA All-Star and Kentucky alum DeMarcus Cousins returned to introduce now-former coach John Calipari to the Wildcats faithful.The 2024 Big Blue Madness will take place at the Rupp Arena inside Central Bank Center on October 11 at 7 pm ET and is likely to be one of the biggest in program history.