By Paul Sykes
Al Parrish noticed the towering crane with what appeared to be a University of Tennessee flag flying atop on the day the crane went up at the Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium expansion site.
“Something’s not right about that,” Al decreed, and went to work on getting it changed. It was explained to him that the flag was actually an aviation flag and not the Volunteers’ school colors. However, Al was bothered by the sight as he arrived daily at the Parrish House just across the street.
“A flag is a flag,” he said. “You think a pilot is going to pay any less attention to a flag if it’s red and has the Cardinal logo on it? Of course not. It’s a University of Louisville project. Let’s get those U of L colors up there on that crane.”
First step was mentioning it to football coach Steve Kragthorpe at the annual Sportsman’s Supper Club football meeting. The coach hadn’t noticed. The coach assured Al he’d get the flags changed.
Then Al sent two Louisville flags to stadium manager K.C. Skull. He also called the airport, inquiring about the situation. He  found out that it was not etched in stone that the flag had to be orange and white.
As of Monday afternoon, a large Cardinal flag is fluttering in the breeze above the crane on the east side of the stadium.
For Al Parrish, telling him something can’t be done is just the first step in its ultimate completion.
Pretty cool, Dad! Way to go!
I personally guarantee a Louisville win in that one.
If we lose to ISU, Al will probably volunteer to hang upside down from the crane.
If, God forbid, we lose to Indiana State Al should have them fly the flag upside down.
Way to go, Big Al. Now that’s leadership!
Cool story! I love to hear stories about birds with teeth!!!
Atta boy, Big Al! You always do it with class, style and the right way. This Miller Lite is for you!
Thanks to Al Parrish for his diligence in this effort and for all he did to help make the stadium a reality in the first place. Thanks, too, to Paul Sykes for recognizing a great story for U of L fans.