Big Blue Madness 2019 - Tent City - Big Blue Madness campout

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Looking to camp out for tickets to Big Blue Madness? Unless you're already there, you're out of luck.

The University of Kentucky Athletics Department said space for new campers in the days running up to the event has run out.

Tickets to the annual spectacle in Rupp Arena, which features introductions of both the men's and women's basketball teams and practice drills, are free but are not guaranteed to fans who simply line up or purchase their tickets online. As a result, it has become an annual tradition for fans to camp out days before the event to reserve their tickets. 

The annual campout officially began at 5 a.m. Wednesday when people began setting up tents. By early Thursday morning, the tent count moved to approximately 318, and capacity was reached.

Buddy McArter said he and his friends have been camped outside Memorial Coliseum since Tuesday to make sure they were ready for the mad dash to claim their spot. 

"That's where the madness comes in, because it's elbows," McArter said. "It's everybody, each person for themselves, and then when you get your tent up, now we are friends."

McArter said he has taken part in Big Blue Madness for about 20 years. 

"It's concrete camping," he said. "You're not out in the wild. You don't have a fire. This is just fun with friends. You get to know how each player is. How personable they are. It's like they're my family." 

Tim Lawson said his little girl, 7-year-old Sirena, has been coming to "tent city" before she even knew it. 

"In the womb. Nine months," Lawson said. "Her mom was nine months when we first started coming."

To pass time waiting for the long-awaited tickets, fans enjoy food, drinks, play games and even get to hang out with UK's basketball players and mascot. 

People skip work and even school for the experience. Camaraderie is what fans say keep bringing them back year after year. 

Big Blue Madness is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 11.

Campers will receive a limited number of control cards on at 2 p.m. Friday. Those fans will receive a maximum number of four tickets per control card Friday night.

Fans who didn't stake their tents in time still have a chance to get tickets, while they are available.

"Tickets for the 2019 edition of Big Blue Madness will be available at 10 p.m. at the Memorial Coliseum ticket windows on Avenue of Champions for fans with control cards, online at Ticketmaster.com and through the Ticketmaster app," a news release from UK Athletics states. "All patrons require a ticket to Big Blue Madness, regardless of age. There will be a limit of four tickets per person at the Memorial Coliseum ticket distribution. Online orders will have a minimum service fee attached, and there will be a limit of four tickets per household. All duplicate orders will be automatically canceled."

For more information about tickets, CLICK HERE.

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