The observer asked a Kentucky fan at church the other day if he and his wife were going to the Louisville-UK football game, and his response was, “No. They don’t treat UK fans very well at Papa John’s.”
Maybe that partially explains why UK had to return a few hundred tickets to U of L. Maybe not. Kentucky fans claim to be among the most loyal fans around, Big Blue Nation and all. But they are unable to sell out their allotment of 8,000 tickets for the Louisville game?
Getting back to the friend, his Louisville-based company seats are surrounded by some exuberant U of L fans. Some may be drinking beer, a few using salty language, but most simply cheering for their home town team. Sensitive types these friends, adverse to any criticism of the Big Blue.
This is a person who was born in Louisville, he and his wife raised children here. They are only curious spectators when U of L is playing any other school. Devoted to a school 80 miles away. A Kentucky flag out in front of their house, a Wildcat license plate on the car.
Many of their fellow UK fans here cheer against Louisville no matter the opponent. The day after a big Kentucky win, a visit to a Nashville bowl, often after a U of L loss, they’re wearing the blue shirts and those Kroger baseball caps and sticking blue flags on car windows.
Although they’re outnumbered in Louisville, they are a strident minority. They seem to be everywhere. Next door. At Work. At the mall. Proclaiming their loyalty to a bitter rival of the University of Louisville. Feeling superior, peering down their collective nose. They are Kentucky fans, you see, and they don’t have to qualify their preference. Fortunately for them.
And they don’t feel comfortable in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Wonder why?
Good game Cards. Your team showed great grit in the second half. Enough red v. blue crime. Maybe we all just need to hug it out.
Lynne, You might have a different opinion if you had worn a Louisville shirt into Commonwealth Stadium. Try it sometime. You’ll see what I mean.
I am a fan of both teams. I attend many U of L home games and have become acquainted w/ a lot of the fans. However, when playing each other, I pull for UK. When I showed up at Papa John’s Stadium in my UK shirt two years ago, I was treated horribly. I’m not accusing all Card fans of being this rude, but there were plenty of them out there. So to argue which team is the rudest to their opponent is moot. I’ve seen it from both sides.
Honestly, neither school could ever match up to the total disrespect a visiting school receives in Morgantown.
Exactly, Paul, you said it.
Go Cards!
I went to a UL UK game at Lexington once and I felt very uncomfortable. Lines of drunken UK fans yelling at a couple of us in red. I can deal with that but I was slightly concerned about my safety.
I agree with you, ukcat1982. There are idiots on both sides, and we shouldn’t sink to the level of the lowest common denominator. When I am at the game on Saturday, I will treat any nearby UK fans the same way that I would want to be treated if I were visiting in their stadium. A little good-natured banter may be in order, but nothing unpleasant or ugly. We are better than that.
You make too much sense.
I’m a UK fan and I live in Kansas now with my wife who went to K-State. I understand the perception that UofL fans might have of UK fans that are ignorantly arrogant because I see the same thing in KU fans. It disgusts me but I digress.
I grew up south of the Metro and for whatever reason I had as a kid, I CHOSE to root for UK. Maybe it was all of the UK hand-me-downs that I got from relatives or something. I would agree that both UofL and UK have some obscene fans, but the fans that stand out the most are not the majority of fans on either side. Any logical fan would agree that people will be illogical and many will not know the sport for which they cheer given that many don’t know player stats, game plans, player names, etc. Those are the fans that pick a team and root for the team with no understanding of why they like a team. I see KU fans like that all the time and it drives me NUTS. The fact is, is that there are UK and UofL fans like that in Lexington and Louisvile. Just enjoy the rivalry for what it is and root on your team with class!
There is far too much hate and not enough respect in this rivalry. But I suppose that is true of most sports rivalries. That is among the fans. The players usually seem to get along just fine.
Maybe we should take a page from their book.
UofL07- I think we can agree on a few things: If all of those “no-ties” UK fans will leave your precious city, can we madate that all Louisville fans vacate the remainder of the Commonwealth? But why stop? I would agree to deed the entire city of Louisville to Indiana so you won’t have to worry about us uneducated hicks stealing your urban pride, tax dollars and otherwise holding you back.
Do worry about us, we’ll make it without you just send a post card every now and then. Maybe with the increased disposable revenue you can expand the “pizza pit” or whatever it’s called to 70,000 seats. I mean it’s consistently sold out the past few years… right Keith? Those faded pink seats will look good on TV in the fourth quarter just like they did two years ago. Cardnialfan94, is that a real fact or did ESPN make that up?
Charlie, you are incorrect sir about UK fans. We are SEC-centric, not UK-centric. The majority of our fans are very educated on our SEC foes. But with respect to Louisville, its simply a matter that I don’t care, or want to care, about its football program enough to educate myself. The only thing really intriguing about Big East football is Dave Wansnstedt’s mustache.
I don’t think you would get a lot of resistance to the idea of moving to another state. SEC-centric? I doubt that. Seriously. The U of L football program may have to educate you in best way possible.
Does anyone really think Lexington could support the rest of the commonwealth? The state would be a wasteland.
LOU to IN is yet another UK “fan” revealing their insecurities by trolling the UofL boards. It was just 3 years ago (or less) that there were more than 20,000 empty seats in that stadium with bench seats in Lexington. Also, last December the UK “faithful” could not even fill the Gaylord Bowl, over 10,000 empty seats and tickets were for sale on Stub Hub for .87 cents each, YES .87 CENTS. So go back to your boards and stay off ours. Oh, one last thing, you are NOT SEC-centric, you ARE UK-centric. You are and always have been the doormat of SEC football. Yes, you have led the SEC in a weak basketball conference. It seems to be a perfect fit, tough football conference in which you don’t care to compete and a fairly weak basketball conference where you can excel. NOW LET’S DESTROY THE “KITTIES”. GO CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOU to IN, What are you talking about? “Cardnialfan94, is that a real fact or did ESPN make that up?”
BTW, UK fans are UK-Centric. I live in Wildcat Country. I asked UK fans why Duke won the 2010 title. “Cause they suck”. Really? if they sucked that bad, why did the win? WHY DID DUKE WIN? because they have seniors, juniors (HINT: EXPERIENCED PLAYERS); not one-and-dones.
I am a Junior in High School. I live 15 Minutes from Lexington. Everyday I am taunted and told that Louisville Sucks at school. I am told that UK is gonna win a championship in 2011. I also have to hear how UK is gonna smash Louisville in both sports. But, I STAND STRONG, defend the Red and Black blasting UK fans with REAL FACTS and wear my Cardinal Pride at least twice a week. After being a Cardinal fan in Central Kentucky, I have taken so much crap from UK fans, I have a buring hatred for the University of kentucky and its fans.
GO CARDS, STAY CLASSY AND STAND STRONG!
Cardinalfan94, I grew up in the same area and experienced many of the same things you describe. It only makes you stronger. Try to keep their fans in perspective. The only team they know is Kentucky, and they’re don’t make any effort to educate themselves about other programs. Don’t think too harshly of them. 🙂
Great article, Charlie. I think the reason there are UK fans in this city is that most of them moved here to get decent jobs. Pretty sparse out in the state.
In these days and time, it probably is best to keep a low profile while venturing into opposing stadiums. To many drunk, angry, entitled fans that can make life miserable for fans of both teams. It happens everywhere. This type of behavior trickles down from fans at NFL games.
On another note. What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time Kragthorpe was exclaiming “Who’s ready for Indiana State?” as the sound of crickets could be heard in the background. This year, expanded sold out stadium , 40,000+ season tickets and renewed excitement about the coming season.
From my experience, I challenge any UK fan scared to go to Papa John’s Cardinal stadium, to don a U of L Marching band uniform and march with the band next year when they visit Kentucky. Kentucky fans routinely throw beer on the marchers, often tossing cups and empty beer cans in to the line, trying to steal the hats or the plumbs, and often will walk in between the band while marching. This is one of the single most disrespectful thing someone can do to a marching band.
They don’t feel comfortable because they are not welcome there. They act like they own the place with their “we are in the SEC” BS and don’t understand why no one gives them any respect. They don’t deserve any! Let them stay in their elevated trailer stadium with their “suites” in the endzone (snicker). Go Cards, Go America!
I have never understood having suites in the end zone unless one has no intention of watching the game.
I am a UK fan and all I have to say is, if we are not welcome, then don’t invite us. I guess your problem is that if we weren’t invited, there is no way you could fill your stadium! Not sure why you have to bash the SEC or Commonwealth Stadium. Why don’t you just concentrate on cheering for your team instead of bashing other teams.
Molly, I’m pretty sure the stadium would be full without the UK fans for this one. The post was directed at UK fans who live in Louisville and cheer against Louisville, which is flawed logic. I guess UK fans feel the same way about the state but what else do they have to cheer for?
Oh Molly, Molly, Molly…you’re the “typical” UK fan, thinking the whole world revolves around UK…NEWSBREAK: IT DOESN’T! As a matter of fact UK could NOT sell their allotment of tickets for this game and they were returned to Louisville where the hungry CARD fans devoured them. GO CARDS!!!!!
Let me say that I am not talking about UK alumni living in Louisville that cheer for UK. I can understand supporting your alma mater and the connection you feel to a school as an alumnus. Though I have an intense dislike for UK, I can understand why they cheer for the cats and I can respect it.
The people I am talking about are the hardcore UK fans who were born and raised in the Louisville Metro region and/or who have attended UofL and have no ties whatsoever to UK (aren’t alumni, never worked for UK, etc). They are the types who wear UK apparel everywhere they go, deck out their vehicles with “Big Blue” stickers and decals, slam UofL every opportunity they get, yet they themselves have no ties to the university or program they so fervently support. In my opinion, these individuals are a bane on our community for the following city:
1. Taking pride in one’s city. Louisville is distinct from the rest of the state in that it is Kentucky’s only true metropolitan city (i.e. Northern KY is urbanized; however, it is associated more with Cincinnati and isn’t really a distinctive city unto itself). Unfortunately, that distinction has lead to a strong rural-v-urban conflict between Louisville and the rest of the state. Our city has been constantly and consistently punished in the state legislature, both economically (e.g. Louisville gets back 45 cents on every dollar that goes to frankfurt while lexington gets around 89 cents back for each dollar) and politically (e.g. failure of the state to prioritize the bridges project, PJCS expansion, etc). Despite these efforts, Louisville has proven to be a very resilient and proud community. I take a tremendous amount of pride in this community and everything it has been able to accomplish, despite the many roadblocks that Frankfurt and the rest of the state have thrown at it. I root for UofL partly because I am an alumnus, but partly because UofL represents this city, my city, to the nation and to the rest of the state. UofL’s growth and its ascendancy to the elite ranks of college athletics is a testament both to the school and to this city’s determination and pride.
Louisville and its university have overcome much and as Louisvillians, I would hope that we all take pride in that fact; however, there are those among our community who would rather see the symbol of this great city fail. They cheer for a program which has consistently hampered UofL and this city (trying to take UofL over in the 70s, pushing for an “urban mission mandate”, etc). They would rather see the representative of their hometown fail and disgrace our city’s name than take pride in and support the program that puts our community on the map. In my eyes, these people not only lack pride in this city, but they spit in the face of all of those Louisvillians who have worked so hard to ensure that we are not held back by the political whims of the state. For these people to even call themselves Louisvillians or act as if they are from our community is a disgrace.
2. Economics. I am of the believe that a city’s citizens should do as much as they can to support their local community. From supporting local business (e.g. banking with local rather than nation banks) to volunteering at local charity events, there are many ways that we as citizens can join together to make Louisville a better city. The simplest way; however, is to simply support local businesses and organizations. Money spent at local businesses is much more likely to stay in this community rather than being exported out to another city (e.g. $45 out of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community compared with only $13 dollars at chain stores). Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect in the local economy. Independent local businesses employ an array of local supporting services, meaning more jobs for local residents.
What does supporting local businesses have to do with UofL? UofL is one of the city’s top employers and has an enormous economic impact on the Louisville community. For example, UofL has been in involved in more than $1.2 billion in capital projects since 2002 and has created more than 9,764 jobs. By financially supporting UofL, Louisvillians are not only supporting the symbol of our city but they are also helping to improve the health local economy. Supporting the Cards means more local jobs and retention of money within our community. However, some of our “citizens” would rather export wealth from out city and support a program and school that has very little economic impact on our beloved city. Instead of using their dollars to improve Louisville and promote the local economy, they use them to support UK and Lexington.
Judas Preist..what a read. Are you running for mayor anytime soon?
Hopefully Cardinal fans will be singing “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” on Sat.
He would have my vote.
Cliff Notes please.
Good thoughts, UofL07. I think most Louisville fans can identify with and agree with your assessment. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.
Are you sitting in your dorm-room with some brandy smoking a pipe?
I took my 5 year son to the UK – UL game two years ago and was threatened to be beaten up while walking to our seats. Great bunch of fans at drUnken of L.
I’m sure they were not any worse than the Lessington’s “finest”. Good thing you had your 5 year old son with you though. 😉
I took my 5 year son to the UK – UL game two years ago and was threatened to be beaten up while walking to our seats. Great bunch of fans at drUnken of Louisville.
Probably an isolated incident. Cardinal fans are for the most a pretty much laid back bunch. Unless provoked I don’t see this happening very often. Usually when sCat fans come to “The Oven” some act as if they own the place regardless of the fact it’s not their home stadium. Every fan base has their share of jerks. Most of them I find just happen to wear blue, chew backie, and have an ax handle in their pick’em up trucks gun rack when the gun is supposed to be.
BTW, why would die hard sCat fans come to a UL basketball game when pUKe isn’t even playing? I saw this last season when UL played East Tennessee State? That makes absolutely ZERO sense.
Last year at Commonwealth I got beer poured on me, stuff thrown at me, got the bird plenty of times, cussed out, spat at, and just treated with disrespect the entire time.
That’s why I never go over there, Tyler. I might not return.
I can identify. Last year at Commonwealth, we got booed when we pulled into a predominantly UK parking area, had a fan come over and read us the riot act while tailgating with a mostly Blue crowd and gotthe usual taunts and catcalls after the Cards lost.
Even though we were sitting in an area where UofL fans were a majority, the few Blue bloods that infiltrated the area were loud, cutting with the comments and filled with that arrogant, superior attitude that…unfortunately, they have had bolstered over the last three years.
Time for a little payback. I might sneak out tonight and replace my neighbor’s blue porch flag with a red one while he’s out of town for a few days. A preemptive strike, if you will…
We will expect a full report, Paul. I helped the same good friends mentioned in the post by temporarily removing their K flag. We had a good laugh about it.
Wow!!! And Commonwealth is a treat to go to as an away fan? Last year the f bomb was directed me and my friends way several times in a Louisville section. I still go to away games and love to wear my red and black in lex. My favorite ky fan of the week: I asked a uk fan at school today if he was going saturday and his response was I don’t go to away games. This guy can see pjcs from his backyard on eastern pkway. I wouldn’t call that away!