LEXINGTON, Ky. - Despite opening the season with a loss to Louisville, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart says the Wildcat football team is excited and ready to hit the field again. He’s hoping the fans will be excited, too. School and local public safety officials emphasized Thursday the need for people to use common sense and courtesy on Saturday at UK's home opener. For Barnhart, the annual crowd-management press conference was an opportunity to rally public support.
“We didn’t get off to the start we wanted to get off to, but it doesn’t mean there’s a lack of energy or effort or anything coming from that group of players and that coaching staff. And they need your support.”
Season ticket sales are down from previous years as the Wildcats look to improve on their 5-7 finish last season.
“Student attendance has been down the last couple years. And that’s not a product of the team, it’s a product of so much to do in the college world. There’s games on TV, we understand that, but it’s also a product of we’ve gotta do enough to bring people out to let them respect our team and want to cheer for a good product,” says Barnhart.
Kentucky faces Kent State this Saturday night at Commonwealth Stadium. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
