The biggest celebration in all of college basketball is approaching under a new basketball regime with coach Mark Pope at the helm of the Men’s basketball program and Kenny Brooks as the head women’s basketball coach.

Pope comes into the program with high acclaim and excitement for Kentucky fans. As a captain of the 1996 team, he helped lead the program to a National Championship. He only knew winning in the two seasons he played for Kentucky as he won two SEC championships and one National Championship. He came to the Wildcats as a transfer from the University of Washington after two seasons, one in which he won Pac-10 Freshman of the Year.

Pope would remember the Big Blue Madness as a player, though it was called Midnight Madness at the time. Pope was there in 1995 when the festivities included seniors dressing up and soaring into the Arena, according to the Kentucky Wildcats official website. “The preseason No. 1 team in the nation was introduced with the premier of “Cat Fan Forever.” Seniors Walter McCarty and Tony Delk swooped down on ropes from high above dressed as “Cat”man and Robin.”

What will it look like this year? It will be packed, it will be loud, it will be crazy; that much can be assured.