10 things to do during the dog days of summer

@MaggieDavisKSR

Ah, summer. When the days are long and the days without UK sports are even longer. Lucky for us, football season will be here before we know it. But with 22 days until opening kickoff, here are some ways to pass the time.

Buy your tickets to the Alumni Charity Game

Tickets are now on sale for the annual basketball event, which will be split into two games this year: a Legends game at 7 p.m. and an Alumni game beginning at 8 p.m. The Legends Game will feature legends from the past, while the annual Alumni Game will pit current Kentucky pros against one another, according to UK athletics. And while NBA rules prohibit UK from releasing the names of the current NBA stars who will be participating, you can bet there will be some fan favorites in the building. Ticket prices range from $5 to $500, so all fans are encouraged to attend. Both games will be played at Rupp Arena and all proceeds from the event will go to charity.

Catch a Kentucky Soccer game

Both the men and the women will be hitting the field next week. The men will take on Northern Kentucky University on Monday, August 14, while the women will face off against Wisconsin on Friday, August 18. Come on out to the Bell Soccer Complex to cheer on your Cats.

Avoid the dorms!

Students will be making their way back to Lexington this week, so steer clear of hot spots around campus if at all possible. With all the one-way streets, construction and emotional parents saying goodbye to their incoming freshmen, it's going to be a mess. Some freshmen will begin moving into their dorms this weekend, and it will continue through next Saturday. Classes will resume on August 26.

Make plans to see the eclipse

This year's solar eclipse has been making headlines across the nation for months, and Kentucky is home to the optimal viewing location. Hopkinsville, Kentucky will experience total darkness for a longer amount of time than any other town in America, so definitely make plans to head to the western part of the state on August 21. Most of the area is already filling up, so find a friend to stay with or look for a hotel outside of town. Both Kentucky Sports Radio and Hey Kentucky! will be in Hoptown for the eclipse, so be sure to come out and see us.

Buy your season football tickets

Seriously! This team has the chance to be special for Kentucky fans, and the coaches are building up so much momentum and positivity going into this season. Tickets are on sale now, and if 40,000 are sold, season ticket holders will have the chance to participate in the special Yahtzee promotion. Purchase your tickets one day next week to make sure your name gets on the new "Wall of Commitment."

On the fence about @UKFootball season tickets? Next week is the cut-off to buy and be on our new Wall of Commitment. #GoToWork pic.twitter.com/dTGIkOBBTh
– Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) August 11, 2017

Don't forget the parking pass

And if you're not going to go to the games to cheer on the Wildcats, at least go for the social aspects. Tailgating is a vital part of the fan experience, so start figuring out where you and your crew are going to park. We all know the parking pass is the key to starting the day off on the right foot.

Head to your favorite UK store

Treat yourself to something new and blue before the first game of the season. Check out all of your tailgating supplies and University of Kentucky apparel and see what you need to replace. Kentucky Branded always has tons of specials happening, so if you're searching for a new place to shop, definitely check them out before opening kickoff.

Check out a women's volleyball game

The Wildcats take on Western Kentucky on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Both of these teams finished in the Top 25 last year, so it's sure to be a great game. I've been to a few UK volleyball games, and they're incredibly fun to watch. They're fast paced and usually very competitive, so definitely make your way to Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday.

Get in shape!

On KSR this morning, Ryan Lemond finally admitted he didn't quite rise to the challenge of completing 300 push ups in a single day. See if you can match Ryan Lemond's 200 push-ups, or better yet, actually make it to 300. Reach for the stars!