The University of Kentucky Wildcats will host the Youngstown State Penguins at Kroger Field on September 5, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. The matchup draws considerable attention from students, alumni and local fans eager to catch the first home game of the season.
Parking restrictions and vehicle relocation
To accommodate the influx of spectators, the university has issued a detailed parking plan that requires permit holders to move their vehicles from the Periphery lots — designated as RK, CK and EK — and from the Commonwealth Drive lot by 7 a.m. on game day. Failure to relocate a car by that deadline can result in citations or even impoundment.
Students who park in the Green Lot must also shift their cars by 10 p.m. on the Friday preceding the game, while parking along University Drive is prohibited from midnight on game days. These measures aim to keep traffic flow smooth and preserve access for emergency services.
Starting at 7:30 p.m. the Friday before the contest, the Gluck Equine Center lot and a portion of the Orange lot are reserved exclusively for UK Football RV permits. Vehicles that remain in those areas after 7:30 p.m. will be towed by university staff to a designated spot at the southwest corner of the Orange lot.
After the final whistle, all cars must be returned to their authorized parking zones by 5 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. The university warns that non‑compliance may lead to fines or vehicle retention, underscoring the importance of adhering to the schedule.
Bus service adjustments
Transportation services have also been adjusted. The weekend Yellow Route buses, which normally shuttle riders to Kroger Field, will instead serve major residential neighborhoods, beginning two hours before kickoff and running an hour after the game ends.