Living Near Kroger Field

Your Gameday Guide To UK Football Season

Seven Saturdays a year, Lexington turns blue. Here is what Campus Court Lexington residents can expect on UK football gamedays, from traffic and crowds to parking, tailgating, and the traditions that make Kroger Field one of the loudest atmospheres in the SEC.

7Home Games in 2026

1.6 miCCL to Kroger Field

61,000Stadium Capacity

First Home Game

The 2026 season opens at Kroger Field on Saturday, September 5 against Youngstown State.

Sept 5

SEASON OPENER, 1:00 PM KICKOFF

Sept 12

FIRST SEC HOME GAME VS. ALABAMA

Quick Answer

Campus Court Lexington sits about 1.6 miles from Kroger Field. On UK football Saturdays, expect heavier traffic near campus starting several hours before kickoff, crowded parking in the areas closest to the stadium, and a busy, high-energy atmosphere across Lexington. Plan to leave earlier than usual, expect main roads near campus to be congested, and check the 2026 home schedule below before making weekend plans.

Mark Your Calendar

2026 Kroger Field Home Schedule

Seven Saturdays to plan around this season. Kickoff times not yet announced will be confirmed by the SEC closer to game day.

Date	Opponent	Kickoff
Sat, Sept 5	Youngstown State	1:00 PM
Sat, Sept 12	Alabama	3:30 PM
Sat, Sept 26	South Alabama	12:45 PM
Sat, Oct 10	LSU	TBA (night window)
Sat, Oct 24	Vanderbilt	TBA (night window)
Sat, Nov 14	Florida	TBA (night window)
Sat, Nov 28	Louisville (Governor's Cup)	TBA (early window)

Schedule based on UK Athletics' 2026 release. Kickoff times and TV assignments are typically confirmed about six days before each game, so double check closer to the date.

What To Expect

Gameday Changes The Rhythm Of The City

None of this is unique to Campus Court Lexington. Living within a couple miles of a 61,000-seat stadium means gameday Saturdays look different from the rest of the week.

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Heavier Traffic

Roads near campus and the stadium get congested starting several hours before kickoff and staying busy for a while after the final whistle. Give yourself extra time for any errands that take you through the area.

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Limited Nearby Parking

Lots closest to Kroger Field fill up well before kickoff, and street parking near campus gets tighter than usual. If you are not headed to the game, plan to park at home earlier in the day.

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More Noise And Crowds

Expect louder ambient noise around campus, more foot traffic downtown, and a busier stretch along the main routes leading to the stadium, especially in the hours right before and after the game.

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A Real Atmosphere

Tailgates fill the lots around Kroger Field, blue and white gear shows up everywhere, and the energy builds all day. It is one of the more visible parts of being a student in a college town during football season.

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Rideshare Surge Pricing

Rideshare demand spikes right before kickoff and again right after the game ends, which can mean longer wait times and higher fares during those windows.

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Busier Grocery Runs

Grocery stores and gas stations near campus tend to get busier on Friday evening and Saturday morning as fans stock up before the game.

How To Prepare

A Little Planning Goes A Long Way

Whether you are going to the game or staying in, these are the habits that make gameday Saturdays easier.

STEP 01

Check The Schedule Weekly

Glance at the home schedule each week so a home game never catches you off guard when planning weekend trips, deliveries, or move-in day tasks.

STEP 02

Run Errands Early

Grocery shopping, laundry, and other errands are easiest to handle Friday evening or early Saturday morning, before traffic and crowds build up near campus.

STEP 03

Plan Your Route

If you need to drive anywhere near campus on gameday, check a live traffic or navigation app before you leave and build in extra time.

STEP 04

Decide How You're Getting To The Game

Walking, biking, rideshare, or driving all work, but each comes with tradeoffs on a home game Saturday. Pick your method the night before rather than deciding last minute.

STEP 05

Charge Everything The Night Before

A full phone battery matters more on gameday, between navigation, mobile tickets and parking permits, and staying in touch with your group in a crowd.

STEP 06

Know The Clear Bag Policy

Kroger Field enforces a clear bag policy for entry. If you are heading to the game, check current bag guidelines on UK Athletics' gameday page before you leave.

Getting To The Stadium

From Campus Court Lexington To Kroger Field

Kroger Field is roughly 1.6 miles from Campus Court Lexington. Here is how residents typically make the trip.

Walking

About 30 Minutes

A walkable distance for many students on a nice day, though routes and sidewalk access vary. Check a map app for the current recommended walking route before heading out, especially after dark.

Biking

About 10 Minutes

A quick ride on a normal day, though gameday sidewalks and streets near the stadium get crowded, so budget extra time as you get closer.

Rideshare

Expect Surge Pricing

Convenient, but demand spikes before kickoff and after the final whistle. Requesting a ride a little earlier or later than the rush can help.

Driving

Plan For Traffic

Doable, but nearby lots fill up early and traffic builds well before kickoff. UK Athletics partners with Waze for gameday routing to permitted lots.

Part Of The Experience

Gameday Traditions Worth Knowing

Even if you are just walking or driving past Kroger Field on a Saturday, these are the traditions that shape the day.

Tailgating In The Lots

Tailgates fill the Green, Blue, and Orange lots around Kroger Field starting the morning of the game, with setups ranging from simple canopies to elaborate spreads.

The Cat Walk

Around two hours before kickoff, the team walks into the stadium through Gate 1 while fans line up to cheer them in.

My Old Kentucky Home

The stadium sings the state's official song together before kickoff, one of the most recognizable moments of a UK home game.

Postgame Fireworks

Fireworks after touchdowns and at the end of the game are part of the Kroger Field experience, visible well beyond the stadium itself.

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Details Change Season To Season

Kickoff times, parking policies, tailgating rules, and clear bag guidelines are set by UK Athletics and can be updated before or during the season. Always check UK Athletics' official gameday page for the most current information before you head out.

Common Questions

Gameday, Answered

How far is Campus Court Lexington from Kroger Field?

Campus Court Lexington is approximately 1.6 miles from Kroger Field, UK's home football stadium.

How many home football games does UK play in 2026?

UK plays seven home games at Kroger Field in 2026, hosting Youngstown State, Alabama, South Alabama, LSU, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Louisville.

Will traffic near Campus Court Lexington be affected on football Saturdays?

Yes. Roads near campus and the stadium typically see heavier traffic starting several hours before kickoff and continuing for a period after the game ends. Planning errands and travel around this window makes gamedays easier.

What is the clear bag policy at Kroger Field?

Kroger Field enforces a clear bag policy for stadium entry. Guidelines can be updated season to season, so check UK Athletics' official gameday page for current bag size and item restrictions before attending a game.

Is it easy to walk to Kroger Field from Campus Court Lexington?

It is a walkable distance for many residents, roughly 1.6 miles, though actual walk time and route depend on where you are headed around the stadium. Check a map app for current walking directions before heading out.

Where can I find official UK football gameday information?

UK Athletics maintains an official gameday information page covering parking, tailgating rules, bag policy, and stadium entry, updated throughout the season.

Home Base For Every Saturday

Campus Court Lexington puts you a short trip from Kroger Field, whether you are headed to the game or just planning around it. See available floor plans or stop by the leasing office to learn more.

View Floor Plans Call (502) 351-8622

935 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504

Campus Court Lexington is an Equal Housing Opportunity community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.