Wednesday Evening Notes from the SEC Tournament

Greetings from Bridgestone Arena, where the excitement is building for the opening night of the SEC Tournament. I think. I’m one of probably 50 media members in the building, four from KSR. Drew Franklin and Matt Jones just finished taping a new episode of “Fade This” across the media room and Ryan Lemond is making the rounds. Even Jerry Tipton would be impressed with our presence so far.

We’ve still about an hour until the games tip off, so let’s run through some notes.

Everyone’s expecting a BBN takeover

On my way downtown today, I spotted a car with two Kentucky flags flying proudly in my neighborhood, the first sign that the Big Blue Nation will make Nashville theirs this weekend. Blue is already getting in around the arena despite Kentucky not playing until Friday night. After a few disappointing postseasons, it’s hard to tell who is more excited that the Cats are playing well: Kentucky fans or Nashville bar and restaurant owners. It’s been too long since the BBN has had a proper “spring break” at the SEC Tournament, and the early arrivals only make me more excited for what’s to come.

If you missed it earlier, here’s my Need-to-Know guide for the week, including where the KSR crew will be and recommendations for where to park, eat, and drink. Don’t park at the Omni hotel; valet is apparently $55 per night. Ouch.

The new Kentucky Basketball NIL Fund is significant

In case you missed it earlier, Matt Jones broke the news that an official Kentucky Basketball NIL fund will be announced tomorrow. Unlike previous ventures, this initiative will allow fans to donate/participate and it has the backing of the administration, most notably Mitch Barnhart. I’m sure we’ll hear more about it from Calipari in the morning, but this is a good step in the right direction for the program, and the timing is excellent, right ahead of March Madness.

Calipari launched The La Familia Club last summer, but it was focused solely on boosters, his friends, and former players. This new fund will allow fans to donate and there will be other non-financial ways to be involved. I don’t think Kentucky Basketball is hurting in the NIL space, but every effort to improve is important as NIL continues to become the name of the game in college sports.

Dinner in the Media Room sounds good

I got here too late to enjoy the Taco Bar at lunch, but tonight, we’re feasting like kings. Chopped Wedge Salad! Kale Salad! Steak! It really does just mean more!

Be safe around Downtown Nashville

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but if you are coming to town and plan to party before or after the games, please be careful. Downtown Nashville is wild these days, and there’s a news story that has us all a little on edge right now. Last week, Riley Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri student, came to town for a fraternity formal with his friends. He was kicked out of Luke Bryan’s bar on Broadway Friday night and has been missing ever since. Surveillance video from businesses around town shows him stumbling around, clearly too intoxicated to walk. The police searched the Cumberland River and haven’t found any clues.

That story, along with some other minor tales from friends about the insanity of the downtown bar scene, is another good reminder to be aware of your surroundings. Enjoy yourself, but at night, stick with your group and never leave your drink unattended. This week/end has the potential to be an awesome one, but safety first.

Mark Pope: Big Taylor Swift fan

On a much less serious note, BYU beat UCF in the second round of the Big 12 Championship earlier today in Kansas City and afterward, we found out that Mark Pope is a massive Taylor Swift fan. Listen to him talk about the edge he believes his squad had thanks to the pop superstar.

“I didn’t share this with the guys before, but this is really important. When I was in this building seven months ago I talked about how we were excited to be picked 13, because it’s Taylor Swift’s favorite number. This morning I found out courtesy of the greatest statistician SID ever, that our first game against UCF was on January 13th, our second game was on February 13th, and so we knew that with our third game on March 13th, like, the deck was stacked against these guys, man, it’s not even fair. It’s not even fair. Plus we’re in Kansas City. I mean, what? It’s beautiful. If I had told you guys that before the game would be like, our dude has lost his mind?”

#BYU coach Mark Pope went on a Taylor Swift tangent when talking about today's matchup with #UCF. pic.twitter.com/34OS4yRfc4

— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) March 13, 2024