After Will Stein’s appearance at SEC Media Days, I think we’re all ready to go set up our tailgating tents outside Kroger Field right now; however, due to the new rules, we’ve got to wait a few more weeks.
Kentucky just announced that Tailgate Setup Day is Saturday, August 8, starting at 8 a.m. ET. Anything set up outside Kroger Field before then will be removed. UK Athletics staff will be on hand that morning to answer questions and help out. The Cooper Drive tailgate setups will be separate from the Aug. 8 setup day and will still take place the Fridays before game days at noon ET.
This part of the release is bolded, so you know it’s important:if you plan to set anything up (e.g., tents and trailers), it MUST be tagged with your contact information (first and last name, phone number, email address) so UK Athletics can reach you in case something happens to it or it needs to be moved for mowing and maintenance. Tents/trailers that are not tagged with contact information will be subject to removal from the Kroger Field grounds. UK Athletics will have tags available at Gate 1 if you need them.
If you are setting up a tent or structure that requires stakes, ask before you dig. Anything that requires stakes more than four inches into the ground must be pre-approved by UK Athletics (859-218-3716) to avoid hitting underground electrical lines, water pipes, and other utilities. Other common-sense measures include not staking tents or structures next to the base/root of a tree and not blocking parking spaces.
Not too much longer, friends. I can’t wait.
Kentucky Football 2026 Promotional Schedule
Know how I know the Will Stein era is different? Last month, UK released the promotional schedule, which includes fan themes for all seven games.
Sept. 5 vs. Youngstown State
Time: 1 p.m. ET (SEC Network+)
Theme: BBN United Game / Home Opener
Stadium Activation: White Out
Sept. 12 vs. Alabama
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Theme: Heroes Day / First Responders Recognition
Stadium Activation: Stripe Out
Sept. 26 vs. South Alabama
Time: 12:45 p.m. ET (SEC Network)
Theme: Family Weekend / Hall of Fame
Stadium Activation: Blue-White Stadium Split
Oct. 10 vs. LSU
Time: Night designation (Kickoff between 6-8 p.m.)
Theme: Homecoming
Stadium Activation: Blue Out
Oct. 24 vs. Vanderbilt
Time: Night designation (Kickoff between 6-8 p.m.)
Theme: To be announced
Stadium Activation: Blue Out
Nov. 14 vs. Florida
Time: Night designation (Kickoff between 6-8 p.m.)
Theme: Night Ops / Salute to Veterans
Stadium Activation: Black Out
Nov. 28 vs. Louisville
Time: Early designation (Kickoff between noon-1 p.m.)
Theme: Governor’s Cup / Senior Day
Stadium Activation: Blue Out
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