The Wildcats have done it again! The University of Kentucky held their annual Big Blue Madness event as a kickoff for the upcoming basketball season, but the Kentucky Spirit Program stole the show.

Be sure to check out our 2017 BBM Routine! ?https://t.co/wNbJtRUgp0

— Kentucky Cheer (@KentuckyCheer) October 14, 2017

The 22-time national championship cheerleading team performed a five-minute routine to showcase their skills. For many of the young Cats, this routine is their first big performance in front of a crowd -- 24,000 screaming Big Blue Nation fans to be exact.



This year's routine was jam-packed with impressive tumbling, innovative stunts, and elite pyramids and baskets. The squad opened with synchronized standing tumbling before moving into their elite stunt sequence. The Cats left no doubt as to why they were crowned UCA National Champions back in January when they executed flawless extended diamadovs with a kick double dismount.



With screaming fans surrounding all four sides of the mat, Kentucky Cheer made sure to give a 360-degree performance by changing their formation throughout to hit every corner of the mat.



A highlight of the 2017 Big Blue Madness routine was the running tumbling section. Kentucky Cheer veteran Josh Marsh performed an exciting bounce back pass that had everyone in the crowd on their feet.

Would you look at this? @KentuckyCheer #BBM17 pic.twitter.com/gfQ4HeIder

— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) October 13, 2017

Kentucky Cheer is known for their elite baskets, and there was no shortage of high-flying skills Friday night. Over 25 elite baskets were thrown in the Big Blue Madness routine.



The University of Kentucky Dance Team performed a fast-paced visual routine that reached all the way up to the top seats. The squad brought the energy as they opened the routine with synchronized squad kip ups.


Kentucky Wildcat mascot Scratch made his debut in the hip-hop performance when he came out keeping the beat with a drum. UK Dance wore sequin blue crop jackets that helped the Cat's shine under the Rupp Arena lights.



UK Dance won second place in hip-hop at the 2017 UDA College National Championship and their BBM routine showed they are on fire to take the title in the new year.


You can guarantee special guest and world-famous performer Drake was saying "I love cheer and dance" by the end of both BBM performances.

Have you ever seen Drake so happy? @Drake @taybrickey pic.twitter.com/JPlA4ZGNW2

— Kennedy Brickey (@kennedybrickey) October 14, 2017