UK's "Midnight Special" - 1982

[Watusi]

Were any BGPers in attendance for this monumental event?

 

My how times have changed.

 

Here is a pic of UK's first midnight practice, called "Midnight Special" back in 1982.

 

Love the hand made banner

I'm also digging on Troy McKinley's feathered haircut.

 

The University of Kentucky’s first “Midnight Special,” which has evolved into Big Blue Madness, was Oct. 14, 1982, in Memorial Coliseum. More than 8,500 fans attended that first practice in the 12,000-seat Memorial Coliseum. Troy McKinley, right, and Derrick Hord led the way through a paper banner that read “The Cats will Run at 12:01.” The event was the brainchild of then-coach Joe B. Hall, according to UKAthletics.com. Hall was seeking to pump up fan interest for the coming season. He was inspired by a similar event organized by Maryland coach Lefty Driesell nearly a decade earlier. Kentucky’s “Special” or “Madness” was held in Memorial Coliseum until 2005, when it moved to Rupp Arena. Photo by E. Martin Jessee | Staff

[JDEaston]

I think I was conceived right around that time frame. Awesome photo and info though.

[strongopenyon]

I was present.

 

A bunch of us meet at Two Keys Tavern for our pre-game warmup :lol2: and then headed down to the Coliseum for madness.

 

Fun times and had no idea it would become what it is today.

[RomanEmpire]

Great memories. Liked it much better back then. It was awesome waiting in line to get in and running down to the HO for some cheeseburgers.