LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – It only took 24 minutes for Kentucky fans to sell out Big Blue Madness. There was great excitement in Rupp Arena as fans got their first look at the Wildcats.

Those three words, “Go Big Blue,” may echo through the halls of Rupp Arena when basketball is back in the Bluegrass. This time it's back with new beginnings for both the men's and women's teams.

“I'm excited because Mark Pope loves Kentucky, he loves basketball, he's very enthusiastic, and so we can't wait for him to bring all that enthusiasm home,” said Lori Schultz, who came from Cincinnati.

Cat fans like Hunter Smith have a good feeling there is hope with Mark Pope.

“Honestly, it’s been stagnant over the last few years,” said Smith, a UK freshman. “I’m definitely more excited about reimagining the program.”

Aside from getting a look at these two new-look teams, BBN was also ready to be impressed by the high-tech glass floor unveiled tonight, which offered interactive, visual experiences for players and fans alike.

“I saw a few videos of it on Twitter or X and it looks really cool,” Dean Schultz said.

It's a neat feature from Dean and Lori Schultz that fits this Blue Blood program.

“This is the home of college basketball,” Lori said. “This is the best team in the nation.”

This couple has followed their cats since they went to school here and met on campus more than 40 years ago.

They traveled down from Cincinnati for this time-honored tradition, hoping it was just the first night of a special season.

“They know what it's like to compete in a tournament and they know you can't take nights off,” Dean said. “So I think you can combine that with Mark Pope’s experience from the national championship that he won and I think that’s a winning formula.”

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