October 1982, the University of Kentucky hosted an event in Memorial Coliseum called “The Midnight Special.”
On that mild October evening, at the stroke of midnight, 8,500 Wildcat faithful poured into the stands to watch the Kentucky basketball team kick off their basketball preseason. The initial idea was “borrowed” by Coach Joe B. Hall, remembering a gimmick first used by Coach Lefty Driesell, which would allow fans to come to watch practice on the first day allowable under NCAA rules. It helped to create hype and excitement for a new season.
The Midnight Special has evolved into what is known today as Big Blue Madness and once again, we find ourselves getting ready for another year of the madness to begin.