Why you might confuse a Kentucky football home game with a rave this season

A 7:45 p.m. kickoff for Kentucky football’s 2024 season opener means Wildcats fans will not have to wait long to see Kroger Field’s new light system.

Mark Stoops’ team already got a sneak peak with one night practice in the stadium during preseason camp.

“It’s one of the reasons why I wanted to get over there,” Stoops said. “We have some players that are new. I think just playing in the stadium is different. The wind blows differently as far as our punt return, kick returns. Just playing in the open field in the stadium, it’s important to do that.”

The light system was not fully operational at the time of the August practice, but players at least gained some idea of what playing under them will feel like.

The $7 million privately funded renovation, which was approved by UK’s Board of Trustees in February, will give UK the ability to use light shows during breaks in game action. The ribbon boards that circle the field at the bottom of the upper level were also replaced as part of the project. The new ribbon boards will have enhanced capability for displays and graphics, replacing the ones installed in 2011.

While the light shows, which UK teased in a video posted to its social media accounts, should add excitement for players, their primary goal is to improve the fan experience and impress recruits visiting for games.

“I mean we can play football in the backyard, but it’s the bells and whistles,” recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow said. “We had that Tuesday night practice, it was actually pretty nice. I was like, wow, I should get this in my backyard. It’s really nice.”

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