UK Athletics has announced that the official tailgate setup day for the 2026 football season will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time on the grounds surrounding Kroger Field in Lexington.
Tailgate Regulations and Safety Measures
Any items left in the surrounding areas before that morning will be removed, and UK Athletics staff will be on site to answer questions and guide fans through the process.
All belongings left at the stadium must bear the owner’s first and last name, phone number and email address. Tags are available at Gate 1 for those who prefer not to create their own, and any untagged tent or trailer will be subject to removal.
Permanent structures are not allowed, and any tent or trailer that requires stakes deeper than four inches must receive prior approval from UK Athletics. Areas where staking is prohibited will be clearly marked on setup day.
The stadium’s underground utility network includes electrical lines and water pipes, making it dangerous to drive stakes into the ground. Fans must also ensure their setups do not block parking spaces, and violations can result in removal or towing at the owner’s expense.
The separate Cooper Drive Tailgate, which takes place on Fridays at noon before home games, will continue as scheduled.