BBN United Fan Fest Presented by Kroger Set for Oct. 3

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The celebration continues following Big Blue Madness as BBN United Fan Fest Presented by Kroger returns to the Central Bank Center Exhibition Halls on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

Admission is free and open to the public, giving Big Blue Nation an opportunity to celebrate the start of the 2026-27 basketball season through interactive exhibits, opportunities to meet the Wildcats in person, special appearances, family-friendly entertainment and more. Capacity is limited and subject to safety regulations.

The clear bag policy will be in effect.

Enter at the main Central Bank Center doors across High Street from Parking Gate 2. Parking will be available in downtown Lexington surrounding Central Bank Center.

“Big Blue Madness is one of the most special traditions in college basketball, and Fan Fest gives us the opportunity to extend the weekend and spend even more time with the greatest fans in sports,” Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope said. “The energy and passion of Big Blue Nation is what makes Kentucky different, and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of another season together.”

Kentucky women’s basketball head coach Kenny Brooks said Fan Fest provides a unique opportunity for fans to connect with the Wildcats as the season approaches.

“One of the best things about Kentucky is the connection between our teams and our fans,” Brooks said. “Fan Fest brings everyone together to celebrate Kentucky Basketball and build anticipation for what’s ahead.”

Basketball appearances throughout Fan Fest
Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes, coaches and alumni will appear at multiple Fan Fest locations, giving fans several opportunities to connect with the Wildcats throughout the day.

Programming will include autograph sessions, live interviews and trivia, partner activations, live podcast recordings and interactive fan experiences. Fans will have opportunities to meet players, collect autographs, take photos and hear from Kentucky coaches and student-athletes during the event.

Featured appearances and programming are expected to include Main Stage interviews and trivia hosted by Cameron Mills and Ohavia Phillips-Reed, player autograph sessions presented by Kroger, Central Bank Pop-A-Shot appearances, BBN United member engagement opportunities and an open house in the state-of-the-art Spectrum Studio just outside Rupp Arena.

Season schedule posters for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will be available free of charge and can be used during autograph opportunities throughout the day.

Wristbands for autograph sessions will be distributed to fans who are physically present in line at designated autograph locations. Distribution may end once a session reaches capacity to allow fans to pursue other opportunities throughout Fan Fest. Autograph opportunities are limited to one item per person.

Fan Fest Highlights
Interactive Experiences

• Kentucky basketball trophy and uniform displays
• Autograph opportunities with Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes located throughout the exhibition halls, throughout the day
• Live DJ and entertainment
• Face painting, tattoos, caricature artists and family-friendly activities
• Mobile Pop-A-Shot basketball challenges and interactive fan games
• Podcast Row featuring live podcasts, interviews and reporting throughout the day
• Photo opportunities and special guest appearances
• And more

Activations, Exhibits and Partner Experiences
Fans can explore a wide variety of exhibits, sponsor activations, retailer experiences, food offerings and community partners throughout Fan Fest. Planned participants currently include

University of Kentucky Experiences

• BBN United
• Team Wildcat
• BBN Pets
• Junior Wildcat Club
• UK Alumni Association
• Group ticket information
• UK Team Shop
• UK Esports
• UK College of Agriculture and the Wildcat Pulling Team
• UK SpaceLex Rocketry & Propulsion Team
• La Familia The Basketball Tournament Team
• Bluegrass Tours

 Partners and Sponsors

• Kroger
• UK HealthCare
• VisitLEX
• HOOT
• State Line Co
• UK Sports and Campus Marketing
• Calypso
• Dever Golf Cart

Community and Interactive Exhibits

• Aaron Kizer live painting activation
• Face painting
• Photo Booth
• Caricature artist
• Barber activation featuring Kentucky logos and basketball designs shaved into hair, along with hair painting for fans who want a less permanent option
• Tattoos, plus face painting for fans who want a less permanent option

Retail and Collectibles

• Kentucky Roadshow
• Ethan’s Card Shop
• Search & Rescue Cards
• WinCity Cards

Food and Beverage

• Chick-fil-A
• Hunt Brothers Pizza
• Coca-Cola Slushie Truck
• Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
• Taylor Belle’s
• Additional food and beverage vendors

BBN United will also offer giveaways and membership opportunities throughout the day. Fans can learn more about exclusive member benefits, including invitations to members-only open practices, behind-the-scenes experiences and opportunities to meet Kentucky players and staff throughout the season.

Those who join BBN United by the end of Fan Fest — 3 p.m. ET on Sat., Oct. 3 —can attend the exclusive Member’s Only Men’s Basketball practice inside Rupp Arena later on Saturday – starting at 8 p.m. ET. 

12-month BBN United memberships also unlock year-round benefits like more members-only practices, virtual meet-and-greets with coaches and student-athletes, exclusive merch, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

Join at BBNUnited.com or stop by the BBN United table at Big Blue Madness or Fan Fest to learn more!

Participating vendors, partners, exhibitors and activations are subject to change, with additional experiences expected to be announced closer to the event.

BBN United Fan Fest Presented by Kroger offers fan-focused experiences as excitement builds for the 2026-27 season. 

Where to see the Wildcats at Fan Fest

Order, locations and participants are subject to change.

 Kentucky Farm Bureau Main Stage

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 10 a.m.

Central Bank Pop-A-Shot

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 11:15 a.m.

Kroger Stage Featuring Schedule Posters and Autograph Opportunities

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 11:30 a.m.

BBN United Fan Zone

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 1:15 p.m. ET

Coca-Cola Slushie Truck

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 1:30 p.m.

UK HealthCare Court

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 12:15 p.m.

State Line Co. Activation Area

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 11:45 a.m.

Hoot App Canopy

Order of Appearances – Program Starts at 11:45 a.m.

Order, locations and participants are subject to change.