If there’s one thing college basketball fans know, it’s that Big Blue Nation travels. And when the Wildcats are playing in Milwaukee, a little over seven hours from Lexington, you better believe Kentucky fans are going to be there in droves.
But this time, they’re getting a little help from the top. Mark Pope, Kentucky’s new head coach, is pulling out all the stops to make sure Big Blue Nation turns Milwaukee blue. On his radio show earlier this week, he made an offer to pay for gas if fans hit him up. Hit him up they did. And he’s putting his money where his mouth is.
The Offer
In an incredible gesture, Pope has offered to pay for gas for fans making the drive to Milwaukee. No catch, just proof that you’ve got tickets and a simple check that no one in your family is a recruitable athlete — meaning no one in grades 9 through 12. Thanks to the NCAA’s endless web of regulations, that would be a recruiting violation. However, a guy taking 200 bucks from a booster is totally cool. Pope said his assistant was being blown up with requests, and now fans have posted on social media those are being answered with a real offer to do just that.
This is Kentucky basketball, fans will follow them just about anywhere. BBN will use vacation days to go to the SEC Tournament
Mark Pope is staying true to his word and is now covering the costs of gas money for University of Kentucky students to attend the Troy vs. Kentucky NCAA Tournament game in Milwaukee! 🏀
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) March 19, 2025
This is just one of the many reasons why so many people love Pope and Kentucky! #BBN pic.twitter.com/QvdUMVwyR8
The Response
The response took a couple days, after all, no one wants to tangle with the compliance office. But they are now going out (so check your email if you reached out).
It’s a unique approach, and it’s already becoming a viral moment on social media. Fans are posting their emails, their maps, and their excitement about the road trip to Milwaukee. After all, when you love Kentucky basketball, a seven-hour drive feels more like a victory lap than a chore. But that may all change if Kentucky falls to make it out of the first round, again.
Big Blue Invasion
You can already picture it. The sea of blue flooding the stands. The chants. The passion. The overwhelming presence of Big Blue Nation making sure their team feels at home even when they’re far from Rupp Arena.
For Pope, it’s all part of his plan. This is his first postseason as Kentucky’s head coach, and he’s determined to make it unforgettable. Rallying the fans is just one piece of the puzzle.
Now, all that’s left to do is win. And with Big Blue Nation behind them, anything is possible.