LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - It's one of the most exciting days of the year for the Big Blue Nation. Tonight marks the official start of the UK basketball season.

With hours to go before player introductions students on campus at the University of Kentucky say the anticipation for Big Blue Madness is already here.

"It's awesome to know that you're going to be a part of something that everybody else loves too," said UK student Jordan Elmore.

For students who have never been to Big Blue Madness tonight is a milestone.

"It's going to be a great experience. Kentucky basketball is one of the reasons I came to this school," said Jack Whitfield.

The first practice of the season is one of hottest tickets of the year with personalized player introductions and a feeling more like a concert than a college sporting event.

"It's kinda crazy but coming off a national championship I can understand it," said UK student Jerome Martinez.

For the many of UK's players it will be a chance to see what it's really like to play on the floor of Rupp Arena.

"All those guys who will be draft picks. I'm looking forward to watching them play, hopefully bringing home (championship) nine," said Whitfield.

Madness begins at 7:30 but the basketball teams wont be the only ones on the floor of Rupp Friday. UK's volleyball team is trying to set a new national attendance record in the sport. The current record is 17,340 people. Their game starts at 5 pm.

Big Blue Madness will be broadcast on WKYT staring at 7.