Big Blue Madness is a way of UK life

I camped out for Big Blue Madness. Big Blue Madness is the first public basketball practice for the University of Kentucky’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. While a practice like this at many other universities would go unnoticed by people who do not live in or near the college town, big blue madness is a completely different story. People from all over the state and neighboring states come to Lexington to fight for campsites where they camp out (in tent city) for three days in order to receive tickets to this free event.

I am from St. Louis, and while my mom is a UK College of Ag alumni, I had never heard of this event until I came to school here last year and witnessed the madness with my own eyes. The madness I mean is seeing these people fighting one another for spots in tent city at 5 in the morning on Wednesday to camp on the UK campus and sit there for three days. I initially thought to myself that these people were crazy, but as I attended basketball games throughout last year I saw that they weren’t crazy, but that they were loyal. After experiencing the basketball games last year and the amazing recruit team we have this year I knew that I wanted to become one of the “crazy” loyal fans that got tickets to Big Blue Madness. 

With that in mind my friends and I woke up at 3 am that Wednesday to stand in line until 5 am where we dashed across Avenue of Champions to steak our tents before someone else grabbed our spot. We were there all day and only left to go to class; work; back to the apartment to make food, shower, etc. While camping in tent city I was surrounded by other people who had the same passion as I did. We were a small community who all bonded and got along because we all were loyal, and we all cared for the family that makes up Big Blue Nation. These people had a passion for watching Kentucky basketball and for believing in our team and the success they could have this year. These people were willing to miss work, to give up running water, to survive away from their house and live in a tent for the sole purpose of getting tickets to a basketball practice. Living in Mizzou territory I could tell you that many Mizzou fans would never even think of doing this and this fact is one of the few important reasons why I chose the University of Kentucky.

Katlyn is majoring in Agricultural Biotechnology and is from St. Louis, MO.

Fall is Fun & Fantastic!

Fall.  The weather is cooling down from summer, the leaves are changing, and midterm season is upon us. While a stressful time in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to reward yourself for a good grade, or to take a break from studying. I love the colors of the trees and the leaves floating through the breeze on my walks to class. The beauty of the season is almost too good to be true; so why spend your time inside studying when you can be outside studying or relaxing outside? UK and the city of Lexington has plenty to offer during the fall months when the weather is beautiful, or on a gloomy day when you want to have fun inside.

The UK Opera Theatre just presented The Phantom of the Opera at the Lexington Opera House. I must admit, I have never been to an Opera, and I didn’t get to attend this one, but the reviews were excellent.  It is on my bucket list and hopefully I can attend one of their future productions!  http://www.ukoperatheatre.org/  

Football season is my favorite time of the year! It is Homecoming Week on campus and there is lots of Wildcat spirit around.  This Saturday, our Wildcats take on the Georgia Bulldogs.  The Wildcats have been improving this season and are hoping for a win against the Bulldogs!  Go Cats!  For more details, check out UK SAB: http://www.uksab.org/  

Big Blue Madness is always a great time as we anticipate the approaching basketball season.  This is the first practice for the Men and Women's Basketball team, as well as an introduction of players to the fans. With anticipation built up from winning the 8th National Championship this past spring, students and fans were eager to see what the new team will look like, with hopes of bringing home banner number 9 this year.  

October also means thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland.  The fall race meet is October 5-27th, and people from all across Kentucky and the world to watch these horses race, place their bets, and socialize. Make your way down Versailles Road in Lexington and treat yourself to a fun day of friendly betting. 

A lot of you may disagree and call me crazy, but Halloween is my favorite holiday. Take the changing leaves and add those scary decorations and I am a happy girl. Living in a residential neighborhood in Lexington makes this time even more exciting for me as I get to buy candy and wait for the arrival of the different heroes, princesses and little boogie monsters. The record number of trick-or-treaters last year was 32, so we are hoping to surpass that number this Halloween.  If anyone has suggestions on a costume, let me know!

The cooler temps also bring the need for coffee or hot chocolate.  What UK student wouldn't be obsessed with Starbucks when we have 4 locations on campus and other locations throughout the city?  There are also lots of local coffee places around the  Salted Caramel Mocha, and  Pumpkin Spice are just a few of the flavors that they have to offer. Treat yourself to a delicious hot treat and enjoy the fall weather.

However you decide to spend your fall, UK and Lexington has lots of great options.  I hope to see you out and about enjoying all that this time of year has to offer.

Gabrielle is studying Agricultural Education.  She is from Gamaliel, KY.  She is involved in UK Dairy Judging, and is an Ag Ambassador.