Kentucky Wildcats Football: Canceled Spring Game a Disadvantage?

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It wasn’t long after National Signing Day that head coach Mark Stoops dropped the metaphorical bomb that the Kentucky Wildcats football team would forgo the annual Blue/White Spring Game in 2015 due to stadium renovations. It was a shock to many after UK managed to hold the game, albeit at reduced capacity, despite construction last year. But in order to meet construction deadlines to have the stadium improvements complete by the 2015 season, it became necessary to cancel the game.

It was shocking since the Spring Game has been such an event in Stoops first two off seasons, drawing over 80,000 fans, more than the previous ten years combined. Many expected the game to be moved to another venue. Georgetown College seemed like a logical choice, being the only in-state university with a decent sized football stadium that doesn’t have a bone to pick with UK. Perhaps Kentucky would continue the Ohio invasion and try to play the game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. But Stoops said he wasn’t interested in moving the game anywhere besides Commonwealth. There are also complications regarding recruiting off campus.

One has to wonder if he might regret that decision now. Due to the SEC Network, each of the league’s teams will have their annual scrimmages broadcast for the whole country to see. Except Kentucky. The others teams will have an opportunity to hold a large recruiting weekend for 2016 prospects. Except Kentucky. They will have a chance to see how their players respond to a live scrimmage in a stadium full of fans (Okay, maybe not Vanderbilt). Except Kentucky.

Stoops has already lamented the loss of the recruiting weekend that has been the Spring Game in his first two years. So many recruits referenced the event before naming Kentucky their leader or committing to the Cats it almost became boring to hear it. Seeing 40-50k fans show up and tailgate and rejoice in a scrimmage is what happens at other SEC schools, not in Lexington. But you all showed up and made a difference for your program. The Spring Game Cat Walk has been phenomenal. It’s just such a boost.

This week Stoops announced that Saturday’s practice will be open to the public and that they plan on having some recruits in. Obviously the atmosphere won’t nearly match the alternative, but it’s a good effort. The 2016 class has already gotten off to a strong start and any opportunity for the commits to bond should be welcome. The lack of television coverage perhaps stings less, as hopefully all interested would have attended in person. Hopefully being broadcast next year won’t affect actual attendance. The lack of live scrimmage time of the turf is offset by the fact that the coaches get an extra practice to develop a young team adjusting to a relatively new offense.

For those interested, your last chance to see Kentucky football before the season opener is this Saturday at noon. Expect practice to be held rain or shine, taking place in the Nutter Center in case of inclement weather.

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