Posted this on the free site, but wanted to give my thoughts to everyone on this board as well. I have been to about ever SEC stadium and others outside the conference. I am using those experiences as a comparison. I feel that UK has gotten a lot of crap over the years and I have to give credit when its due.
Went the my first UK home game in a few years this past weekend. Last time I went they had just put up the ribbon boards Because of where I live from KY I go to mostly away games now.
Overall, very impressed with everything UK has done to make the fan experience much better than in the past.
First, the stadium. Wow is all I can say. Job well done UK! Absolutely puts UK into the conversation of best stadiums in the country. Not the biggest, but serves its purpose. I compared it to a mini pro stadium. Not near the quality and amenities a pro stadium has, but several facets of it compare to one.
Next, music. Just a complete 180 from the past. Great music selections, kept the environment upbeat, saw old folks liking it, etc. One person in my group hates hip hop, rap, etc. (big country music fan). Even he was liking the music.
Sound system, excellent. Remember a time when it was hard to hear, very distorted, etc. Now, it was actually too loud on occasions. KY got their money's worth. Have heard some folks complain its not loud enough. Those folks must be deaf.
Video Boards are very clear. Ribbon Boards were great as well. UK has really stepped up their game showing other scores, etc. Only complaint is they are really slow with replays. I honestly do not remember if they had advertising banners showing on the screens or not. If they did, it did not bother me.
Traffic control was fine. Yes, there was a little congestion, but compared to other places in the SEC and other conferences KY does a good job.
Parking, not good. Was surprised that everything requires a pass now. Remember being able to park in several spots that were free and first come basis. We managed to setup our tailgate and parked relatively close to the stadium, but we got there early. Folks who do not have passes who want to tailgate and show up late, good luck.
Tailgating was not as good as I have seen at other places, but I liked the concert they had setup and the Catwalk was the best I have seen.
Overall, it was a great experience and I am jealous of all of you who live much closer than I do and get to go to all the home games. UK has done a great job listening to the fans to enhance the experience and did an incredible job with the renovations.
Went the my first UK home game in a few years this past weekend. Last time I went they had just put up the ribbon boards Because of where I live from KY I go to mostly away games now.
Overall, very impressed with everything UK has done to make the fan experience much better than in the past.
First, the stadium. Wow is all I can say. Job well done UK! Absolutely puts UK into the conversation of best stadiums in the country. Not the biggest, but serves its purpose. I compared it to a mini pro stadium. Not near the quality and amenities a pro stadium has, but several facets of it compare to one.
Next, music. Just a complete 180 from the past. Great music selections, kept the environment upbeat, saw old folks liking it, etc. One person in my group hates hip hop, rap, etc. (big country music fan). Even he was liking the music.
Sound system, excellent. Remember a time when it was hard to hear, very distorted, etc. Now, it was actually too loud on occasions. KY got their money's worth. Have heard some folks complain its not loud enough. Those folks must be deaf.
Video Boards are very clear. Ribbon Boards were great as well. UK has really stepped up their game showing other scores, etc. Only complaint is they are really slow with replays. I honestly do not remember if they had advertising banners showing on the screens or not. If they did, it did not bother me.
Traffic control was fine. Yes, there was a little congestion, but compared to other places in the SEC and other conferences KY does a good job.
Parking, not good. Was surprised that everything requires a pass now. Remember being able to park in several spots that were free and first come basis. We managed to setup our tailgate and parked relatively close to the stadium, but we got there early. Folks who do not have passes who want to tailgate and show up late, good luck.
Tailgating was not as good as I have seen at other places, but I liked the concert they had setup and the Catwalk was the best I have seen.
Overall, it was a great experience and I am jealous of all of you who live much closer than I do and get to go to all the home games. UK has done a great job listening to the fans to enhance the experience and did an incredible job with the renovations.
