Big Blue Madness: For more than just basketball

On Friday, thousands of members of the Big Blue Nation will crowd into Rupp Arena for the first practice of the 2012-13 basketball season, but there is more in store for the fans than just the madness.
When the doors open at 4 p.m. fans will first be able to see see the UK Volleyball team in action against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The volleyball match starts at 5 p.m.
UK Volleyball Coach Craig Skinner is wanting to break the record for the largest attendance at an NCAA volleyball game, feeling the Big Blue Nation can help him achieve it.
The record is set at 17,340 fans for the largest attendance at a single NCAA volleyball match, which was at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. Neb. for the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. Rupp Arena is able to accommodate upwards of 24,000.
Following the volleyball match, fans will have a break before Big Blue Madness 2012 kicks off with the UK Women’s Basketball team then the 2012 National Championship Men’s Basketball Team.
The men’s team is slated to begin their Madness festivities at around 7:30 p.m.
Big Blue Madness will be one a select few practices that will be featured on ESPN. The event will also be shown on Fox Sports South and UK IMG Network.
Tickets sold out quickly, after hundreds of people camped out for three days to get their hands on tickets. Others sold out instantly on Ticketmaster.