Mitch Barnhart refuses to dismiss idea Kentucky-Louisville basketball rivalry could be played at Kroger Field

For the first time in the history of the “Battle of the Bluegrass” rivalry, Kentucky and Louisville will clash in November to kick off the 2025-26 season (Nov. 11 at Louisville). This will likely be one of the most anticipated games in recent history of the rivalry, as the ‘Cats and ‘Cards are both expected to land in the top-10 of the first AP Poll Rankings of the season.

Since the rivalry between the two programs was brought back in 1983, it has grown into one of the most anticipated games of every single college basketball season.

In recent history, high major collegiate programs have held sporting events at football stadiums, such as Iowa Women’s Basketball’s game against DePaul at Kinnick Stadium and Nebraska Volleyball’s match against Omaha at Memorial Stadium.

So, could a Kentucky vs. Louisville basketball clash at either Kroger Field or L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium be the next crossover sport to take place at a football stadium now that the game has been moved from late December to mid November? University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart didn’t completely shoot the idea down on Tuesday.

Barnhart doesn’t shoot down idea of game at football stadium

“You never know,” Barnhart said with a grin. “You’ve seen everything. I won’t get into naming any groups because we all know who they are but you see stuff going on in stadiums… so why not? Why not try? I think you’re looking for things that can happen and I’m a little short on saying basketball on a slippery surface in November but I think we’ve got to be thoughtful and open about anything.”

Dating back to 1913, Kentucky leads the rivalry 40-17 with wins in 14 of the past 17 matchups. Last season marked the first in command for both Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey at their respective schools. Both seasons ended up as profound successes, as Pope led the ‘Cats to a 24-12 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance and Kelsey led the ‘Cards to a 27-8 record and a NCAA Tournament berth.

Pope’s Kentucky team won last season’s meeting 93-85 in Lexington. It was the closest the game has been since Louisville‘s 62-59 victory in 2020.

With every single clash between the programs (whether it’s in Lexington or Louisville) selling out Rupp Arena and the KFC! Yum Center on a consistent basis (The Basketball Tournament even sold out a meeting between the two alumni teams at Freedom Hall in 2024), there’s no doubt both fanbases could fill a football stadium. Now it’s just up to the higher ups to get the ball rolling.