Believe it or not, the countdown to Big Blue Madness 2012 is on. Even though it seems like Kentucky was just cutting down the nets in New Orleans, the annual kickoff to the men’s and women’s basketball season is just 52 days away. On Tuesday, information about ticket distribution for the event – which will take place on Friday, Oct. 12 – and the annual campout that precedes it was released. Fans can begin lining up for tickets at Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 a.m. Last year’s campout set a record with 570 tents. UK Athletics asks fans to be respectful and safe in finding places in line.Tickets are once again free and will be distributed at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. There will be a limit of four tickets per person. Tickets will be available at the same time online at UKathletics.com and Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are limited to four per household and will have a minimal service fee attached.For those fans wishing to camp out, UK will provide portable restroom facilities, but permanent, wooden-type structures; portable generators; and propane tanks or other open frames are prohibited. Campers will be issued control cards beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21. No cards will be issued after 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 and all people with control cards must also be in line at that time.This map is a diagram of where fans will be able to set up their tents.

The image below shows the ticket distribution lineup that will occur on Sept. 22.