LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Thunderstorms moved across Fayette County Saturday morning, raising questions about how the weather would affect early tailgaters ahead of the University of Kentucky’s first football game of the season. Rain and high temperatures did not stop Big Blue Nation from turning out around Kroger Field.
Fans navigate weather to set up early
Joey Sheroan was one of many tailgaters set up ahead of the game.
“I was checking the radar closely and I saw a break in the weather around 9:30 and it worked out perfectly, and we got our spot and we’re all set up for the season,” Sheroan said.
Sheroan said he has been setting up at this tailgate location for a few years and described what makes for a good time.
“I think surrounding yourself with family and friends and good food, good people,” Sheroan said.
New coaching era draws excitement
Heath Smith said he agreed with that sentiment. Smith and his family have been tailgating since he was a small kid. He said he is looking forward to the new era for the Wildcats under new head coach Will Stein.
“I’m really excited to see what he brings to the table, I mean he’s already got a lot of recruits coming in next year. He’s an offensive minded guy, came from Oregon, great O.C.,” Smith said.
Sheroan said he is also excited to see Stein’s impact on the Wildcats.
“I’m also pumped about that. Looking at the new offense, new coordinators, 60-something new players, so a lot to learn, but super excited about this season,” Sheroan said.
A bittersweet first tailgate for some
For Aimee Burton, Christine Limboy and Jody LeCursi, this marks a bittersweet first tailgate of the season. The three said their daughters are seniors on UK’s baton twirling team, making this their last first tailgate.
“We are die-hard fans for our twirlers, and so we wanted to get here and put on the best tailgate for them, so we got here at 7:45 and weathered the storm, and got everything together,” Burton said.
The three said their daughters will begin new chapters next year, and they said they feel lucky to have experienced what Big Blue Nation is all about.
“Just the camaraderie that we all have, and coming from Michigan, I didn’t have any background with Kentucky before we started and so now every time you hear that word, you light up. Its just great to be a part of and we’ve just been thrilled for the last four years and sad that its coming to an end,” LeCursi said.
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