University of Kentucky - Lexington, KY
Where bourbon meets bluegrass and fall Saturdays turn Commonwealth Stadium into a cathedral of hope.
It starts with the sound. The raspy drawl of a tailgate radio cutting through cold morning air. Somewhere between the smell of hickory smoke and spilt bourbon on a folding table, you’ll find the soul of Kentucky football. This isn’t a basketball pep rally. This is Kroger Field, and if you haven’t stood outside Gate 1 with a beer in one hand and a fried pork sandwich in the other, you haven’t really done Lexington.
The town is stitched together with old money horse farms, gritty dive bars, and a wild, unpredictable optimism that blossoms every fall. It’s a place where bourbon is religion, Saturdays are sacred, and fans carry the weight of history like a flask in their boot — hoping, every year, that this is the one. They know heartbreak here. But they still believe.
This is Lexington on game day. And it’s glorious.
City Snapshot (Quick Glance)
Nickname/Claim to Fame
Horse Capital of the World and Home of Big Blue Nation
Home Teams & Stadiums
Kentucky Wildcats – Kroger Field (Football), Rupp Arena (Basketball)
Vibe Check: One-sentence feel for the city on game day
Like a bourbon-fueled family reunion with 60,000 cousins in blue screaming “C-A-T-S” in perfect rhythm
How to Get There & Where to Stay
Closest Airports
Blue Grass Airport (LEX) – 15 min from campus
Louisville Muhammad Ali Intl. (SDF) – 1 hr 15 min
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG) – 1 hr 20 min
Driving Distance from Major Cities
Louisville – 1.25 hrs
Cincinnati – 1.5 hrs
Nashville – 3 hrs
Indianapolis – 3 hrs
Do You Need a Rental Car?
Yes, unless you’re staying downtown or near Chevy Chase
Is There a Shuttle, Train, or Bus?
LexTran offers gameday routes from downtown, but Uber fills the gaps
Parking Tips if You Drive In
Reserve a pass in advance through UK Athletics or park at the South Limestone Lot and walk in through campus — scenic and rowdy
Best travel recommendation:
Fly into LEX for ease. If you’re staying the weekend, rent a car and explore bourbon country. The drive to campus from any direction takes you through rolling hills, horse barns, and more Americana than a Springsteen song.
Where to Stay
Best Places to Book if You’re Walking to the Stadium
The Campbell House – classic Southern elegance, 10 minutes on foot
https://www.thecampbellhouse.com
Elwood Hotel & Suites – boutique vibes and Bluegrass pride
https://www.elwoodhotelandsuites.com
Short-Term Rentals with Tailgate-Friendly Patios
Look in Chevy Chase, Ashland Park, or Woodland Park neighborhoods on Airbnb — lots of porches, patios, and grill setups
Hotel Vibe Ratings
21c Museum Hotel – artsy, upscale, downtown
Hyatt Regency Lexington – convenient and crowded with alumni
Origin Hotel – modern, tailgate-friendly base in The Summit at Fritz Farm
The Fan Experience
Traditions & Rituals
The Cat Walk before home games
The “Go Big Blue” chant echoes through tailgates
Tailgates spill into horse trailers — yes, literal horse trailers turned party stations
What to Wear
Anything blue and white. Bonus points for vintage Starter jackets or custom Kentucky denim
Tailgating Style
Southern BBQ meets bourbon tastings — expect pulled pork, country ham sliders, and people passing around flasks of Four Roses like communion
Chants, Cheers, and Anthems
C-A-T-S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
“On, On, U of K” is sung like a hymn after touchdowns
You’ll hear John Short on local radio — a true local legend and voice of Big Blue Nation
Before the Game
Top 3 Tailgate Parties
The Tailgate Society at Alumni Plaza – DJ sets, open bar for donors
LexTailgaters near Press Avenue – homegrown, gritty, and packed with locals
Chevy Chase Backyards – unofficial but full of rowdy students and porch parties
Where to Park & Pre-Game
Gluck Equine Research Center lot — wild but centrally located
College View Avenue — neighborhood tailgates with a homey feel
During the Game
Seats with the Best Energy
Sections 201–202 for students
Lower bowl west side for longtime season ticket holders
Avoid the nosebleeds unless you want quiet — this is SEC country, energy matters
After the Game
Where the Crowd Goes After a Win
Tin Roof or KSBar — loud, packed, and Blue to the bone
https://www.tinrooflexington.com
https://www.ksbarandgrille.com
Late-Night Eats
Tolly Ho — Lexington’s greasy spoon hero (open 24/7)
https://www.tollyho.com
Gumbo Ya Ya – spicy, steamy, and perfect after four bourbons
https://www.gumboyayaky.com
Post-Game Bars with DJs, Dives, or Dancefloors
Soundbar – neon lights and SEC dance-offs
McCarthy’s Irish Bar – underground, smoky, full of energy
Two Keys Tavern – a student favorite with a rooftop
Where to Eat & Drink
Bars Near Campus
The Local Taco – Tex-Mex and bourbon flights
https://www.thelocaltaco.com/locations/lexington
Pazzo’s Pizza Pub – pregame pizza and pitchers
https://www.pazzospizzapub.com
West Sixth Brewing – for the craft beer lovers
https://www.westsixth.com
What to Eat in the Stadium
Pulled pork nachos, bourbon chicken wraps, and Ale-8 on tap (a Kentucky cult favorite)
Late-Night Eats
GirlsGirlsGirls Burritos (open till 2 AM)
https://www.girlsgirlsgirlsburritos.com
Drake’s – sushi and burgers post-midnight
https://www.drakescomeplay.com/lexington
Must-Eat Food Spots
Joe Bologna’s – pizza in a converted church
https://joebolognas.com
Doodles – Southern brunch heaven
https://www.doodlesbreakfast.com
Local Culture for Travelers
Neighborhoods to Explore
Chevy Chase – bourbon bars and old homes
The Distillery District – breweries, live music, repurposed warehouses
Cool Shops for Vintage or Local Team Merch
Failte Irish Imports – UK gear with Irish soul
Oneness – boutique sneakers and rare finds
https://onenessboutique.com
Bonus: Cultural Side Quests
Keeneland Race Track (Oct & April only)
Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour
Lexington Cemetery for a scenic and surprising walk
Local Insider Tips
From a Local Fan
“Get to campus early and wander. The real party’s in the neighborhoods, not the parking lots.”
Things Not to Do
Don’t wear red — it screams Louisville
Don’t call it “UKY” — locals just say “Kentucky” or “UK”
Game Day Hacks
Pack a poncho — fall showers are common
Bring cash for street parking
Use the Waze app — campus gets gridlocked fast
Extras
Instagram Spots
Horse farm fences at golden hour
The mural on Limestone across from Mellow Mushroom
Inside Rupp Arena — even during football season, it’s a pilgrimage
Hype Playlist
“Bourbon and Bluegrass” – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xNfZkZVdZfBtYh5lQKy4A
Local Merch Drops
https://www.shopgamedaylex.com
https://www.kyforky.com
Hangover Brunch Spots
Josie’s (biscuits and gravy done right)
DV8 Kitchen – recovery food with a mission
https://www.dv8kitchen.com