Minor Changes You Need to Know Before Tailgating at Kroger Field in 2025

Kentucky doesn’t always win at Kroger Field, but Big Blue Nation has never lost a tailgate. Before you prepare to watch the Wildcats this fall in Lexington, there are a few minor changes coming that you need to know.

When making a drive to the Joe Craft Football Training Facility in the middle of the summer, few things more my heart quite like seeing tents set up for football games, months before the team hits the gridiron. There’s a new dibs process coming for Kentucky football tailgaters.

Wait to Claim Your Tailgate

You cannot claim a spot by setting up a tent in June or July. You can claim your spot and begin setting up your tailgate on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. Any tents or trailers dropped off before that date will be removed.

Tag Your Tailgate

There’s one more step that has been added to the process of claiming your spot. Every tent or trailer must be tagged with a name, phone number, and email address. All untagged items are subject for removal. Tags can be picked up at Kroger Field Gate One starting July 21, or tailgaters may choose to create and use their own tags.

This extra step is actually a benefit for Kentucky football fans. If a tent blows away or a trailer is damaged by a reckless driver, UK now has a way to promptly notify the owner.

Ask Before You Dig

There’s one more common-sense safety measure in place. If you plan to put a stake in the ground, you need to call (859-218-3716) before you dig to receive approval from UK Athletics. This is for your own safety. You don’t have to dig far before potentially hitting a power line. So please, call and get it cleared before you dig, and keep your stakes away from tree roots.

There’s one final thing: Don’t block parking spaces when setting up your spot. After all, it’s a parking lot that is used year-round. That makes sense, right?

Tailgating changes can ruffle feathers among die-hard fans. These small alterations should not drastically change the way you plan to prepare for Kentucky football games. Just plan ahead and get your tag ready to make sure everything goes smoothly this fall at Kroger Field.

If you need more information, UK Athletics has all of the details about the changes ahead of the 2025 Kentucky football season.

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