LEXINGTON, KY – Club Blue, name, image and likeness (NIL) partner of University of
Kentucky Athletics, is excited to host the reimagined Blue-White Preseason Event, set
to take place on Friday, Oct. 18, inside Historic Memorial Coliseum.
This year, the traditional Blue-White Event, featuring men’s and women’s basketball
preseason intrasquad scrimmages, has been transformed into an interactive fan
experience, with proceeds benefiting Club Blue, UK Athletics’ NIL partner.
The innovative approach to the event reflects the evolving landscape of college
athletics and the importance of NIL supporting student-athletes.
The Blue-White Preseason Event will provide an early look at both the men’s and
women’s basketball teams, led by Coaches Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks, who will
serve as “hosts” for the evening.
Fans will have the opportunity to engage more closely with the teams through
interactive elements, live insights from the coaches, and giveaways for unique fan
experiences.
Tickets and Event Format
Tickets for this special event go on sale Friday, September 20, at 10 a.m. ET at
This year’s event introduces a new pricing model, starting as low as $100 per ticket.
Club Blue members will receive individual codes for discounted ticket offers as a
thank-you for their ongoing support.
This new approach allows for a more intimate setting, with Historic Memorial
Coliseum chosen as the venue to offer a closer, more personal fan experience. The
limited number of tickets reflects the smaller venue and the enhanced interaction fans
can expect.
A Fundraiser Format
Proceeds from the Blue-White Preseason Event will benefit Club Blue, further
supporting UK student-athletes’ NIL opportunities. Club Blue plays a vital role in
helping Kentucky’s teams remain competitive by connecting fans with student-
athletes in innovative ways.
“This is a different kind of event,” Barnhart said. “It’s more than a game—it’s an
opportunity for our fans to connect with our teams in a meaningful way while also
supporting our student-athletes through NIL initiatives. We are thankful to Big Blue
Nation for their unwavering support as we navigate this new era of college athletics.”
Looking Ahead to the Season
As UK Athletics continues to adapt to the evolving NIL landscape, events like the Blue-
White Preseason Event showcase the innovative ways UK Athletics and its partners are
working to support its student-athletes. This preseason event will provide an exciting
and engaging experience for fans while highlighting the vital role NIL plays in
modern college sports.
For more information on the Blue-White Preseason Event and to purchase tickets, visit
About Club Blue
Club Blue, an official partner of UK Athletics, supports University of Kentucky student-
athletes by providing NIL (name, image, likeness) opportunities. Thanks to recent
changes in the college sports landscape, Club Blue is able to bring fans, businesses
and UK sports programs together for experiences like never before. Choose your
sport. Support.
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