PROGRAM SUMMARY

Campus Ruckus is the University of Kentucky’s signature back-to-school celebration, hosted by the Student Activities Board (SAB) to introduce students to more than 200 student organizations. For 2025, UK SAB partnered with Pixis Drones to add an unforgettable finale to the night — a 200-drone light show choreographed to highlight school pride, athletics, and Kentucky heritage. The show lit up the university's skies, uniting the campus community in a shared kickoff to the academic year.

The Brand’s Vision

UK Student Activities Board aimed to make Campus Ruckus not just a night of fun and introductions, but an event students would talk about all year. They wanted a custom drone light show that would incorporate school traditions, honor the spirit of Big Blue Nation, and create shareable moments for social media while leaving new and returning students feeling connected to the Wildcat community.

Our Creative Solution

Pixis designed an FAA-certified, GPS-enabled drone performance that combined dynamic school imagery with athletic and cultural touchpoints. The formations moved seamlessly from campus pride symbols to Kentucky icons, all timed with the energy of the event. The creative sequencing was crafted to keep the audience engaged from the first frame to the final “Welcome to UK!” message, ensuring the night ended on a powerful, unifying note.

Key elements included:

• UK logo in Wildcat blue

• Kentucky Wildcat mascot

• Cheer horn with “CATS” reveal

• Basketball swishing into a hoop

• Racehorse running across the sky

• Outline of Kentucky with Lexington marked by a star

• Music, interactive activities, and icebreakers

• Opportunities for students to meet peers and get involved on campus

Results

The Campus Ruckus drone show captivated thousands of students and community members, creating a memorable closing moment to the night’s activities. The performance drove high levels of social media sharing, boosted visibility for the Student Activities Board, and reinforced UK’s commitment to delivering innovative and engaging student experiences.

Why It Worked

The show blended the University of Kentucky’s most beloved traditions with custom drone light show technology, creating an experience that was both visually striking and emotionally meaningful. The combination of school pride, athletic energy, and Kentucky heritage kept the audience engaged from start to finish. By pairing GPS-enabled precision with storytelling-driven formations, Pixis delivered a show with measurable impact that strengthened student connections and set the tone for the school year.