Gomez here... Kentucky is set to paint the The Ville blue tonight, and in coming seasons, this might happen on more than one occassion. John Calipari is on the record, perhaps just thinking outloud, about the potential of a three game package each year in Louisville's Freedom Hall. Coach Cal's idea is to play one non-conference game against a mid-major opponent (like tonight's game against UNC-Asheville), one major non-conference game (like returning the Indiana game back to Louisville perhaps?), and one SEC game in Freedom Hall each season. With the Cardinals preparing to move their home games to a new downtown arena, this would open up a number of potential dates that were once unavailable to the UK program.
In the meantime, Kentucky will continue to play their one and only "home away from home" game until a new arrangement is made. Even Calipari knows the new deal might not ever pass since some people would complain about Rupp losing two more home games, especially since they'll be higher profile games.
What says you? Would you want to see more games played in Freedom Hall and lose two games at Rupp? Or perhaps, is Calipari just taking some playful jabs at Ricky P and the Louisville faithful by openly pondering taking the Big Blue Machine into their backyard more often? Personally, I think the one game is fine and I'm not really interested in playing anymore than that right now.
I am not that excited about the idea of taking away games from Lexington. I don't think it is necessary for us to play three games there to be dominant. Cal said that we could sell the games as part of a three game package... I don't feel too strongly either way. If it is something that is going to be profitable for the Athletic Department I wouldn't oppose it.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing the transformation of Freedom Hall after the Tards leave for their new arena. Right now it still tough to watch the Cats play on their home floor.
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