By Brenna Angel
LEXINGTON, Ky. – As Dr. Lee Todd prepares for his final academic year as president of the University of Kentucky, he also enters his final football season as the top Wildcat. Todd joined university and city law enforcement outside Commonwealth Stadium Thursday to announce the annual game day operations effort.
"Our intention is real simple, we want to ensure that every person who wants to come and have fun at these games is able to do that. But at the same time, we want those individuals to respect the city and respect our neighbors and respect our campus."
Todd says he's seen the town-gown relationship grow into a strong partnership that he believes will continue past his tenure.
UK Police Chief Joe Monroe says he wants everyone to have a positive experience when the Wildcats take the field against Western Kentucky.
"We start planning for this operation as soon as the football season ends, for the next year. We have a plan that's we've been continuing evolving for the last four years, building upon it, adding new things. Things that don't work, we take em out. The operations manual that we have right now is well over 150 pages thick."
Saturday's game kicks off at 7:30 pm. Several tailgating and parking changes are in effect are for this football season:
Tow-Behind Trailer Policy Beginning 2010, tow-behind trailers will not be allowed to park on paved surface lots within the Commonwealth Stadium complex, unless they too have a parking permit. Guests bringing a tow-behind trailer, without a parking permit for the trailer, will be directed to the nearest grass lot (Orange or Purple). All tow-behind trailers will be directed to park in the periphery of the Orange or Purple grass lots. Guests bringing tow-behind trailers, without a parking permit for the trailer, may contact the KFund parking office (859.257.6300) in advance to setup an in-person exchange of their Red, Blue or Green permit for an Orange or Purple grass lot permit.
Guest Golf Cart Use Beginning 2010, guests' golf cart use will be prohibited on the Commonwealth Stadium Complex to include all parking lots, sidewalks, streets, etc. This includes motorized scooters/coolers, etc. Scooters used by individuals with disabilities will be permitted Guests are asked not to bring golf carts to the complex.
Cooper Drive Tailgate & Parking Tailgate setups and parking vehicles may begin no earlier than Noon on Fridays prior to Game Day. Beginning Noon on Friday, two vehicles will be permitted to parallel park outside/along painted 6' restraining line, within each designated tailgate area. Vehicles will be restricted from parking in any water retention ditches, flood areas, sidewalks and otherwise marked off areas.
Game day traffic on Hospital Drive - UK Medical Center emergency room Hospital Drive, connecting Limestone and University Drive, will be closed strictly for Emergency Room traffic on Game Day. Guests with Parking Structure #1 permits may access Parking Structure #1 via University Drive only.
No Backpacks Beginning 2010, guests' backpacks will not be permitted in Commonwealth Stadium. Purses, small handbags, etc. will be permitted and all bags are subject to search.
Visit the UK Football Game Day Website for more information.