How to Tailgate at a Kentucky Football Game

The University of Kentucky Wildcats play home football games at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington Kentucky. On game day when the Wildcats are playing at home, tailgating is permitted in both the grass and paved parking lots. However, there are certain rules which apply to tailgating which help enforce safety for all fans who are coming to enjoy the game. Before you head out to the stadium, be sure you have brushed up on the latest Wildcat tailgating rules.

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a permit from the parking office. It is recommended that you purchase a permit for parking at Commonwealth Stadium a few weeks before you are heading out to the game. If you plan on tailgating without a tow-behind trailer, you can park in any lot on the facility. However, if you plan on using a tow-behind, then you will be directed to the grass lots on game day if you have not already obtained a permit. If you have obtained a permit, drive to your permitted parking lot. Obtaining a parking pass before-hand will save you time on the day of the game.

    • 2

      Purchase food and beverages for friends and family. The type of food is up to the people who are tailgating. Common tailgating good includes steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, chicken, chicken wings, sausage and other food commonly associated with grilling. Seafood such as shrimp, lobster tails and crab are also popular. Purchase water, juice and soda products to enjoy with your tailgate experience. No open alcohol containers are allowed within the parking lot or around the stadium.

    • 3

      Pack up the food for tailgating. Be sure that you have ample cooler space with ice packs which will keep perishable food cold. Also, if you plan on grilling, be sure that you have the proper amount of charcoal or propane in order to cook the food you have purchased. Keep the perishable food refrigerated until just before you are ready to leave.

    • 4

      Go the Commonwealth Stadium when allowed. Tailgaters are only allowed on the premises starting at noon of the Friday before a Saturday game. If you try to enter and tailgate before, then you will not be allowed inside the official parking lots. Go to the parking lot for which you purchased the parking pass. The exception is RVs with a parking pass. They will be permitted in their designated lots by 7 a.m. the day before the game.

    • 5

      Set-up your tailgating experience. Once inside the parking lot of Kentucky's Commonwealth Stadium, you can set-up food as you please. It is common for people to decorate their tailgating area with blue and white Kentucky Wildcat gear such as flags, banners, pennants and other memorabilia. People often where Kentucky t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jackets and caps. You may also want to listen to Kentucky Wildcat pre-game football analysis on WKYM 101.7 FM.

    • 6

      Walk or hop on the shuttle to the game. As your tailgating activities wind down, be sure to pack up all of the left over food and return it to the coolers. Depending on your parking lot, there are shuttles which will take you to the stadium for a round trip price of $4 to $5 round trip (as of January 2011) depending on the parking lot.