Saturday, August 31, 2013

WKU Defeats Kentucky 35-26









The grass in Tennessee turned a shade blue as Kentuckians invaded the land of the Volunteers to see Kentucky take on Western Kentucky in Nashville. Western and Kentucky both had one thing in common in this match-up, it was their first game with new coaches. On Western's sidelines roamed Bobby Petrino and on Kentucky's was Mark Stoops.

The game started off slow for Kentucky as Western took advantage of the Cats lack of defense as the Hilltoppers raced out to a quick 7-0 lead. Missed tackles and their inability to stop the running game was something Western exploited early and often. Kentucky however had an answer on the offensive end as Jalen Whitlow got the start. With a little running game of their own, Kentucky scored their first touchdown on a 19 yard run form Whitlow to cut Western's lead to 10-7.

It was nip and tuck in the first half, but Western never lost the lead as they went into the half with a 21-17 lead leaving Kentucky fans with a feeling of hope, but that only lasted until the start of the second half. 

What little momentum the Cats had gained from their gritty performance in the first half was gone by the time they took the field for the second. After forcing the Cats to a 3 and out on their first possession, WKU wasted no time extending their lead to 28-17 and from there things progressively got worse. The 'Toppers continued their running game and Kentucky continued to show they had no answer for it as the lead swelled to 35-20. But, after a review overturned a touchdown pass that was initially ruled out of bounds, Kentucky had cut the lead to 26-35 with a chance to make it a single possession game as long as they hit the field goal which they did not. Then Stoops called for an onside kick (which was the right call), but it was sailed directly out of bounds sinking any chance Kentucky had of making a comeback making the final score 35-26 as Bobby Petrino went 9-0 in opening games for his career and Western defeated the Cats for the second straight year.

Even though this looked pretty much like the team we saw last season, there was one bright spot at least in my opinion. I know Stoops started Whitlow for this game, but Maxwell Smith's performance in the second half was impressive. Sure he didn't put points on the board, but the kid showed off the cannon he has for an arm when he got some playing time in the second half when Jalen Whitlow injured his throwing arm. He is ALWAYS on target and if he's off it's not by much. If there is any chance of an "AIR RAID" offense this season, it will come from Maxwell Smith.

It will take time for Mark Stoops to turn this team around. He's already started to do that just by his recruiting for next seasons class, but the true test won't come until the 2015 season, that's the year you'll see an EXTREME improvement, but will Kentucky fans give him time? 

Friday, August 30, 2013

Calipari says "I'm ready to go to war"



John Calipari said today he had his first full team meeting with his newest version of the Wildcats.  What did he think after the meeting? "I'm ready to go to war with this group"


Couldn't agree more coach, let's get this thing started already......

Kentucky Football on The Internet


Now you can be up to date on Kentucky Football anytime, anywhere with these new sites. Mark Stoops and the University of Kentucky football program have announced the launch of an interactive website and social media hub for the 2013 season. Both sites are currently active.


The interactive website can be viewed by visitingwww.UKCoachStoops.com, while the social media hub can be accessed atwww.UKStoopsTroops.com.

 

UKCoachStoops.com andUKStoopsTroops.com are meant to complement UK’s official website,UKathletics.com, which will continue to serve as the primary online source for accessing up-to-date information about UK football.


Other ways to get your Kentucky Football fix are as follows....


Twitter

General - @UKFootball, @UKStoopsTroops, @UKAthleticsNews

Coach Stoops - @UKCoachStoops

Coach Brown - @UKCoachBrown

Coach Eliot - @CoachEliot

Coach Ansley - @DansleyAnsley

Coach Brumbaugh - @CoachBrumbaugh

Coach Mainord - @CoachMainordUK

Coach Marrow - @VinceMarrow

Coach Peveto - @UKCoachPeveto

Coach Schlarman - @CoachSchlarman

Coach Scott - @CoachChadScott

 

Instagram

General - UKFootball, UKStoopsTroops

 

Facebook

University of Kentucky Football –www.facebook.com/KentuckyFootball

 

If your not caught up UK Football news, you only have yourself to blame...

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

CATwalk in Nashville Before WKU Game



Fans can welcome UK head coach Mark Stoops and the 2013 Wildcats as they enter LP Field at 3:45 p.m. CT on Saturday, Aug. 31. The Wildcats will enter the stadium between Gates One and Two at the Northeast Bus Inset. The line of fans will begin at the northeast corner of the stadium and stretch along the length of the stadium along South 2nd Street. The team buses will approach the stadium from the southeast.

REMINDER: UK Alumni Tailgate Party in Nashville Before WKU Game



Join fellow alumni and Wildcat football fans at the University of Kentucky Alumni Association UK-WKU Pregame Tailgate at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. The event gets underway at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. CT) outside the south end zone. Admission is $10 for students, $15 for UK Alumni Association members, and $20 for nonmembers. Alumni and fans will enjoy a barbecue meal and sides. The Wildcat Marching Band and UK cheerleaders will make an appearance and additional entertainment will be provided by a local DJ. Make your reservations at www.ukalumni.net/lpfield, or call 859-257-8905 or 1-800-269-ALUM (2586).

Monday, August 26, 2013

Mark Stoops' Radio Show begins Monday


Mark Stoops Radio Show, Big Blue Weekly Begins Monday
Olympic sports coaches to co-host 60-minute radio show Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops will begin his weekly call-in showMonday night from 6 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. ETfollowed by Big Blue Weekly, an exciting new call-in show where fans can interact with Olympic sports coaches. Big Blue Weekly, which will be hosted by Neil Price, will airfrom 7 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET and will feature two Olympic sports coaches each week.

Both shows can be heard locally on 630 AM WLAP, while also being aired statewide across the Commonwealth. Fans can call-in to both shows by dialing 800-249-2287 or 800-249-CATS.

Monday’s Big Blue Weekly will feature men’s soccer head coach Johan Cedergren and women’s soccer head coach Jon Lipsitz. A full schedule of coaches to be on the show is below, however the schedule is subject to change.

Big Blue Weekly Schedule (Subject to change)
August 26th – Johan Cedergren and Jon Lipsitz
September 2nd – Jon Lipsitz and Rachel Lawson
September 9th – Craig Skinner and Edrick Floreal
September 16th – Jon Lipsitz and Harry Mullins
September 23rd – Jon Lipsitz and Johan Cedergren
September 30th – Craig Skinner and Rachel Lawson

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Mudiay Picks SMU



The number 3 ranked player in the class of 2014 and the number 1 point guard overall announced his college destination during the Elite 24 on ESPNU. Emmanuel Mudiay will attend SMU and play for coach Larry Brown. He also said that he would be playing with his brother who is currently in the Juco ranks, not really sure what he meant by that, but I guess we will find out.

This is something that Kentucky fans aren't used to seeing happen very often. When Calipari wants a certain kid, he more than likely ends up getting said kid, especially a point guard of Mudiay's caliber. This makes twice Cal has come up empty on a recruit he really wanted, Andrew Wiggins being the first. 

Since Mudiay's announcement, some sports writers have been saying that this will make SMU a "legit contender" next season. Now look, I'm not saying Mudiay isn't a great player, in fact great may be an understatement. The kid is DAMN GOOD, but to say that him and another McD's All American they have this year (can't remember the kids name and don't care to look it up) is going to make them a "legit contender" is beyond insane. I think the reason for that assumption is because most people who cover sports wants Larry Brown to succeed and he very well may, but it's going to take a couple more players on Mudiay's level to make them a contender. 

Mudiay's abilities is being compared to John Wall and that's probably a fair assessment, but do you think if the only two players Cal landed when he first arrived in Lexington was John Wall and Eric Bledsoe that they would've been half as good as they actually were? NO. It took an entire team of future NBA players and they still couldn't reach the Final Four and that is something SMU doesn't have. Not saying they won't eventually have it, but as of right now, they don't.

Regardless, congratulations to Emmanuel Mudiay, we wish him nothing but the best at SMU

Weekend Rundown of This Week's News


It's time for another edition of Big Blue Corner's weekend rundown where we highlight all the news that has occurred over this past week.

WALTER MCCARTY LANDS A JOB
Lets get things started with some good news for former CAT Walter McCarty. Walter accepted an assistant coaching position with the Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics. Walter was drafted with the 19th pick in 1996 by the New York Knicks and then traded to the Celtics 1997 where he played until 2005. A league source told the Boston Globe that the Celtics were looking to bring in someone "who can bond with Rondo, someone he can relate to and trust" and who better than a former CAT and Celtic. Congratulations Walter, it's well deserved.

JORTS SIGNS WITH THE PISTONS
While we're talking about former CATS, we gotta talk about Josh "JORTS" Harrellson. After spending time playing in Puerto Rico and China, Josh signed a deal with the Detroit Pistons. The deal he signed is a partial-guarantee contract for two years with a team option on the second year. He will have to fight for playing time against the likes of Andre Drummond and Josh Smith, but I'm sure JORTS will find a way, much like he did at Kentucky to contribute. Congratulations JORTS.

HARRISON TWINS AND JAMES YOUNG RUMORS PUT TO REST
This years Kentucky recruiting class has garnered a lot of attention this off-season, mostly for the amount of talent that Cal has signed in one class, but there have been some rumors going around that aren't so positive. It seems that a message board rumor of the Harrison twins and James Young possibly being ruled academically ineligible  drove some Kentucky fans into a panic and Louisville fans into a state of euphoria. James Young put to rest an doubt there may have been about his eligibility when he posted a picture of his acceptance letter from The University of Kentucky announcing he is eligible to play this season...
Now that we know Mr. Young is good to go, there is still the question of the Harrison twins. Oscar Combs seems to have the answer for that as he tweeted out that the Twins would be on campus no later than Monday, although some expect them sometime around Sunday. So I'd say we can put all those rumors to rest and get prepared for the upcoming basketball season without worry.


KENTUCKY WILL BE ON TV.....A LOT
With the announcement that the Kentucky/Belmont game on December 21 will be shown on ESPNU it brought the total number of Kentucky games on national TV (on either CBS or ESPN family of networks)  to 20, even more surprising to me is the fact these two teams have never faced each other. One would think they would've met sometime over the last 100+ years.



KENTUCKY RELEASES FULL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE... CAN THEY GO 40-0? 
On Tuesday, Kentucky released it's men's basketball schedule revealing that the CATS will have a league-leading 14 conference games on national television. With the release of the schedule came the talk of Kentucky going 40-0. I'm not saying its impossible because anything can happen, but I am saying that the chances of a 40-0 season very very slim. Stop with the 40-0 talk, sit back and get ready to witness what very well could be one of the most special Kentucky Basketball seasons in recent memory.


KENTUCKY TO BE FEATURED ON SUPER-TUESDAY
On Monday the university announced that Kentucky will be featured on ESPN's Super-Tuesday a league leading FIVE TIMES... it's okay to be jealous.


EMMANUAL MUDIAY TO SMU?
Last night news broke that the recruit Calipari covets more than any other in the class of 2014, Emmanual Mudiay would announce his college decision tonight at the Elite 24 game. He will be choosing between Kentucky, SMU, Kansas, Baylor and Oklahoma State. Barring a last minute change, it is fully expected that Mudiay will do the unthinkable and choose Larry Brown and SMU. Mudiay tweeted out last week that "it's time to shock the world" and choosing SMU would do just that. But in the end the kid has to do what's best for him and his family even if that means doing nothing for his NBA career. So if you're still holding out hope the #3 player in the class of 2014 will pick the CATS tune in tonight at 7pm on ESPNU and hope for the best.


That's it for this edition of Weekend Rundown. We will be back next weekend to do the same. Until then, visit the site often through the week as we will announce any news that comes our way. Enjoy your weekend BBN...

Friday, August 23, 2013

Luke Kennard to trim list soon



A couple of weeks ago the #21 ranked player in the class of 2014, shooting guard Luke Kennard visited Kentucky and seemed to enjoy his visit. His father, Mark Kennard said in an interview "It was a great visit. We had a great time, we met coach Calipari and just had a great time."

Zagsblog.com  is reporting that Kennard is ready to trim his list of 10-12 favorites in the next couple of weeks according to his father. Kentucky is in the mix, but so is a who's who of college basketball. Kennard, a native of Ohio currently holds offers from the likes of North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Michigan, Louisville, West Virginia, Ohio State, Michigan State, Butler, Indiana, Iowa, Notre Dame, Purdue, Wisconsin and Xavier. So it's not a sure thing that he will end up at Kentucky.

To make matters worse, Luke said UofL coach Rick Pitino has been in contact with him and said Ricky told him "that he wants to see me in a Cardinal uniform one day. I would say they are definitely in my top five right now.” That's painful to hear to say the least. But, when was the last time Cal has lost a kid he really wants to Rick Pitino?

Time will only tell where this sharp shooter out of Ohio will end up, but I'm not gonna lie, I'd like to see him in Kentucky Blue......

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Kentucky vs. Belmont on ESPNU


The Kentucky-Belmont men’s basketball game will be televised on ESPNU on December 21 with a noon tip time. 


This will be the first time the two teams have faced each other on the court. 


Kentucky now has 20 regular season games being shown on national television  on either ESPN networks or CBS. 



Commonwealth Stadium Security Changes



Commonwealth Stadium Security Changes – Bag Checks, Carry-In Policy

University of Kentucky Announces new Bag Check & Carry-In Policy for Commonwealth Stadium in 2013

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- When filled to capacity, Commonwealth Stadium, the home of the Kentucky football team, becomes the third largest city in the state of Kentucky with nearly 70,000 fans that make their way into the facility. And although a UK win is on everyone’s mind, student-athlete, staff and guests’ safety is of utmost importance.

 

In response to recent national events and industry trends regarding security at large assembly events, University of Kentucky officials have implemented new security measures for all personnel entering Commonwealth Stadium during football game days this fall.

 

Beginning with Kentucky’s 2013 home opener against Miami (Ohio)on Saturday, Sept. 7, backpacks and large bags are prohibited from entering Commonwealth Stadium. Fans will be permitted to bring in one small bag, no larger than 13.5 inches by 10.7 inches. The bag must fit within sizing bins at all entrance gates of the stadium. UK officials are encouraging fans to arrive early andbring as few items as possible into the stadium. A security bin diagram is attached to this release.

 

“With the support of numerous campus, local, state and national public safety agencies, our collective primary objective is to provide a first-class guest experience in Commonwealth Stadium on game days,” said Kevin Saal, senior associate athletics director for operations and championships.  “Safety and security are critical components of that experience, and these new procedures represent industry-standard best practices for large assembly events. We encourage the Big Blue Nation and our guests to arrive early and bring as few items as possible. We appreciate guests’ patience and understanding as we work diligently to keep Commonwealth Stadium safe on game days.”

 

“We, along with everyone else in the Big Blue Nation, are very excited about the upcoming Wildcat football season,” said Joe Monroe, chief of the University of Kentucky Police Department. “UK wants all fans to enjoy the game-day experience, and to do so in a responsible manner. We urge everyone to become familiar with the new policies we have instituted for 2013.”

 

The new security policy will serve on top of the pre-existing prohibited items list for Commonwealth Stadium, which includes:

-          Alcohol

-          Aluminum containers

-          Artificial noisemakers

-          Backpacks

-          Chairbacks larger than 18”

-          Firearms

-          Food

-          Golf Carts

-          Glass containers

-          Ice/Ice chests

-          Irritants

-          Large bags

-          Pets (excluding service dogs)

-         Portable/combustible fuel heaters

-          Tobacco Products

 

Guests are encouraged to remain attentive to their surroundings and contact the nearest security official, event staff team member or call UKPD (859) 257-1616 to report suspicious behavior.


This is what security will be looking for when you enter the stadium...



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Kentucky Football Preseason Special Debuts Thursday Night


Kentucky Football Preseason Special Debuts Thursday Night

UK Football 2013: Attack Every Day debuts Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. ET on Fox Sports South

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A 60-minute Kentucky football preseason special – UK Football 2013: Attack Every Day –  produced by the UK/IMG Sports Network, which features exclusive content including a one-on-one interview with new head coach Mark Stoops and much more, will debut Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. ETon the Fox Sports South footprint, it was announced Wednesday.

 

The special will be hosted by former Wildcat and current UK radio analyst Jeff Piecoro, former Wildcat quarterback Dusty Bonner and longtime UK/IMG Sports Network reporter Rob Bromley. The 60-minute show will be packed with insight from former and current UK players on the 2013 season and will feature Coach Stoops’ thoughts heading into his first game as a head coach, an in-depth look at UK’s new defense with defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot and a drawing board session with new offensive coordinator Neal Brown among many other features.

 

After its debut, the special will re-air multiple times on Fox Sports South, including Friday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. ETTuesday, Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. ET andFriday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET.

 

UK/IMG Sports Network affiliate stations around the state will also carry the show with dates and local air times listed below.

 

Market                                                            Station            Air date/time [All Times Local]

Bowling Green                                                WBKO-TV       Sunday, Aug. 25th at Noon 

Evansville, Ind.                                                WTVW-TV       Saturday, Aug. 24th at 2:00pm             

Hazard                                                             WYMT-TV       Saturday, Aug. 24th at 7:00pm        

Huntington, W.Va.                                          WSAZ-TV         Sunday, Aug. 25th at 12:30pm

Lexington                                                        WKYT-TV         Saturday, Aug. 24th at 7:00pm                     

Louisville                                                         WMYO-TV       Saturday, Aug. 24th at 6:00pm               

Paducah, KY/Cape Girardeau, MO                 KBSI-TV            Sunday, Aug. 25th at 1:00pm     

Fox Sports South                                                                      Debuts on Thursday, August 22nd @ 7:00pm ET.

                          

2014 Kentucky Football Schedule Announced



Kentucky Football's 2014 schedule has been announced and there has been a change in the Louisville game next season.

Aug. 30            UT Martin
Sept. 6             Ohio University
Sept. 13           at Florida
Sept. 20           open
Sept. 27           Vanderbilt
Oct. 4              South Carolina
Oct. 11            ULM
Oct. 18            at LSU
Oct. 25            Mississippi State
Nov. 1              at Missouri
Nov. 8              Georgia
Nov. 15            at Tennessee
Nov. 22            open
Nov. 29            at Louisville

The switch of the Kentucky-Louisville game date means that there will be four SEC vs. ACC in-state rivalry matchups on the final weekend of the season. The Florida-Florida State, Georgia-Georgia Tech and South Carolina-Clemson tilts also are on that weekend.

It will be interesting playing the Cards in the last game of the season to say the least. Usually they played within the first couple of weeks when neither team was certain how the other would perform. Now they will have an entire season to watch each other and put together a game plan. I actually think this will make the game more interesting to watch, time will tell however..

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Kentucky Basketball FULL Schedule Released.... FINALLY


Here is Kentucky Basketball's 2013-14 TV schedule with SEC games. Kentucky will play 14 conference games on national TV this season, more than any other SEC member. Let's get this season started already.


Monday, August 19, 2013

Super 'KENTUCKY' Tuesday


UK Slated for Super Tuesday Five Times in 2014

UK will be featured on ESPN’s lineup a league-leading five times

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky men’s basketball program will be featured on ESPN’s popularSuper Tuesdayseries five times during the 2014 conference season, ESPN announced Monday afternoon.


UK’s five games in 2014 are the most nationally this year, and the mark sets a new program record for appearances after making four in each of the last five seasons.


UK will have three road contests and a pair of home dates on Tuesday evenings during the nine-week series. Kentucky will make its first appearanceJan. 14 at Arkansas in the 9 p.m. ET time slot. Just one week later, Texas A&M will travel to Rupp Arena for a 9 p.m. ET tilt on Jan. 21. UK will again hold the 9 p.m. ET time slot at LSUon Jan. 28. Kentucky will then travel to Ole Miss on Feb. 18 fora 7 p.m. ET contest, before wrapping up its appearances at home against Alabama at 9 p.m. ET on March 4.


The Super Tuesdaylineup showcases games from the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten each week beginning Jan. 7.The ESPN doubleheader tips offat 7 p.m. ET, followed by a 9 p.m. ET game. The Big Ten and SEC will play conference matchups, switching timeslots on varying weeks- throughout the nine-week lineup.


All games will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online atWatchESPN.com on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members, and on Apple TV to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.


The 2013 Super Tuesday series averaged a 1.2 US household rating – marking the highest-rated college basketball weeknight series on ESPN last season.


Kentucky on Super Tuesday

Jan. 14 – Kentucky at Arkansas, 9 p.m. ET

Jan. 21 – Texas A&M at Kentucky, 9 p.m. ET

Jan. 28 – Kentucky at LSU, 9 p.m. ET

Feb. 18 – Kentucky at Ole Miss, 7 p.m. ET

March 4 – Alabama at Kentucky, 9 p.m. ET

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Tyler Ulis Picks Up Offer From Kentucky



ZagsBlog.com is reporting that after taking an unofficial visit to Kentucky this past Friday, 2014's #49 ranked player picked up an offer from Calipari. Ulis makes the third point guard that Calipari has offered in the class of 2014 and is also considering Iowa, Michigan State and USC. After picking up the offer Ulis' father, James Ulis told SNY.tv "he's happy. It's Kentucky". Mr. Ulis also announced that Tyler would be taking an official visit in the future.

Friday, August 16, 2013

UK Alumni Tailgating Event For WKU Game


UK Alumni Association hosting UK-WKU pregame tailgate event 

 

Join fellow alumni and Wildcat football fans at the University of Kentucky Alumni Association UK-WKU Pregame Tailgate at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. The event gets underway at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m.CT) outside the south end zone. Admission is $10 for students, $15 for UK Alumni Association members, and $20 for nonmembers.

Alumni and fans will enjoy a barbecue meal and sides. A cash bar will also be available. The Wildcat Marching Band and UK Cheerleaders will make an appearance and additional entertainment will be provided by a local DJ.

Make your reservations atwww.ukalumni.net/lpfield, or call 859-257-8905 or 1-800-269-ALUM (2586). For questions about the event, contact Jill Smith atjhsmith@uky.edu,859-257-8906 or 1-800-269-ALUM(2586).

 

Safety Policy for UK-WKU Football Game


LP Field New Safety Policy In Place For UK-WKU Game

Fans planning on attending UK-WKU game on Aug. 31should take note of new safety policy

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Fans that plan on attending the 2013 Kentucky football season opener against Western Kentucky Universityon Aug. 31 at LP Field in Nashville, will face a new safety policy when entering the stadium this season as compared to previous years.

 

LP Field security and the Tennessee Titans announced a new game day safety policy that will be in effect for the UK-WKU game on Aug. 31.

 

According to the release, the policy affects restrictions on the size of bags that are permitted into LP Field -- not the items that you normally need to bring to a game. Each fan may carry in their pocket items such as keys, makeup, combs, phones, wallets, and credit cards, and may also continue to carry a blanket or jacket into the stadium.

 

The release says LP Field security strongly encourages fans to not bring any type of bags into the stadium. However, certain bags arepermissible and those exceptions are listed below. Fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:

 

-          Fans may carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap. (See link below for more details.)

-          Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" by 6" and 12" or

-          A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).

-          An exception will be made for medically necessary items, including seat cushions, after proper inspection at Gates 1, 5 & 7 designated for this purpose.

-          Diapers and wipes must be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, will be able to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse, providing ample storage capacity.

 

More information on the policy at LP Field can be found here

 

Tickets for the UK-WKU game remain available through the UK ticket office at a cost of $63 for club level and $38 for end zone. Fans desiring to sit in the UK sections should buy through UK. Fans may purchase tickets atwww.ukathletics.com/tickets, call 800-928-2287, or visit the Joe Craft Center Ticket Office.  Tickets will remain available with UK through August 20.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

ESPN College Game to Return to Rupp Arena



ESPN College Gameday Returns to Rupp Arena
ESPN show scheduled for Feb. 15 game vs. Florida

LEXINGTON, Ky. – For the fifth time in program history, and the second consecutive year, the ESPN College GameDay tour will visit Kentucky’s historic Rupp Arena for a weekly installment of the popular college basketball preview show. ESPN has selected the Florida-Kentucky matchup on Feb. 15 as one of its eight College GameDay stops during the 2013-14 season.

The conference game between Kentucky and Florida is slated for a 9 p.m. ET tip on ESPN. The show will air live at 11 a.m. ET and again later that day at 8 p.m. ET leading into the opening tip.

Since its inception during the 2004-05 season, College GameDay has featured the Wildcats eight total times, including this year’s upcoming appearance. This will mark Florida’s sixth overall appearance in its school’s history.

GameDay last visited Rupp Arena during the 2012-13 season when the Wildcats hosted the Missouri Tigers. The game didn’t disappoint with UK posting an exciting 90-83 overtime win. The Blue and White own a 4-0 record on days when it is featured by the GameDay crew under John Calipari’s direction and has been selected for the show in each year of Calipari’s tenure at UK.

Last year, a crowd of 15,087 attended the morning GameDay show, the second largest ever. UK also holds the record for the largest crowd in GameDay history of 22,144, set on Feb. 13, 2010.

The Wildcats have faced Florida in three of their seven previous GameDay appearances, with the other meetings coming against Missouri (2013), Vanderbilt (2012), Tennessee (2010) and Mississippi State (2005).

Entering its 10th season, ESPN’s College GameDay Covered by State Farm – the eight-week Saturday morning and evening college basketball program originating from the site of ESPN’s Saturday Primetime Presented by DIRECTV telecast – begins  Jan. 18 with a special split-site show. The first hour begins at 10 a.m. ET on ESPNU, continuing at 11 a.m. on ESPN with a one-hour evening edition leading into the Saturday Primetime game-of-the-week on ESPN.


2014 ESPN College GameDay Covered by State Farm Saturday Primetime Schedule
(Schedule subject to change)
Date
GameDay Site
Show Times (ET)*
Game
Time (ET)
January 18
Philadelphia, Pa. Storrs, Conn.
10 a.m.
8 p.m.
Temple vs. La Salle Louisville at  Connecticut
Noon
9 p.m.
January 25
East Lansing, Mich.
10 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Michigan at Michigan State
7 p.m.
February 1
Syracuse, N.Y.
10 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Duke at Syracuse
6:30 p.m.
February 8
Memphis, Tenn.
10 a.m. & 8 p.m.
Gonzaga at Memphis
9 p.m.
February 15
Lexington, Ky.
10 a.m. & 8 p.m.
Florida at Kentucky
9 p.m.
February 22
Boulder, Colo. orPalo Alto, Calif.^
10 a.m. & 8 p.m.
Arizona at Colorado or
UCLA at Stanford
9 p.m.
March 1
Stillwater, Okla.
10 a.m. & 8 p.m.
Kansas at Oklahoma State
9 p.m.
March 8
Durham, N.C.
10 a.m. & 8 p.m.
North Carolina at Duke
9 p.m.
* - The 10 a.m. hour is on ESPNU, continuing at 11 a.m. on ESPN; evening show is on ESPN
^ - Site for Feb. 22 will be announced closer to the game; game not selected will air at 6 p.m. on ESPN or ESPN2