Kroger Field
Photo: Navin75 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
- Capacity
- 61,000
- Year opened
- 1973
- Club
- —
- Country
- United States
- Sport
- American football
Overview
About the stadium
Kroger Field, formerly known as Commonwealth Stadium, is a college American football stadium in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. Built in 1973 and seating 61,000 spectators, it is the home venue of the Kentucky Wildcats, who compete in the Southeastern Conference.
Location and surroundings
The stadium stands on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, at the corner of Alumni Drive and University Drive. It is surrounded by university buildings and athletic facilities and forms a natural centre of college sport in the city. The playing surface is named C. M. Newton Grounds in honour of the late athletic director of the university.
Main uses
The stadium is dedicated to American football and hosts the home games of the Kentucky Wildcats. The team competes in the powerful Southeastern Conference (SEC), making the venue a significant stage for college football in the southeastern United States. It is the newest football stadium in that conference as measured by date of original construction.
History
Journey through time
The history of Kroger Field begins in 1973, when it opened under the name Commonwealth Stadium. From the outset it has served the Kentucky Wildcats, and from its original capacity of 57,800 seats it gradually grew to today's 61,000 spectators. It ranks among the younger venues in the SEC.
Construction and opening
The stadium was built in 1973 and is the newest football stadium in the Southeastern Conference as measured by date of original construction. The original capacity was 57,800 seats. In the stadium's very first game, played on 15 September 1973, the Wildcats defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 31–26.
Major renovations
Since opening, the stadium has undergone changes that raised its capacity to today's 61,000 spectators. Alongside modernisation, the playing surface was named C. M. Newton Grounds in honour of the late university athletic director and former baseball and basketball player C. M. Newton.
Notable moments
The most striking moment of its history remains the opening game of 1973, when the Kentucky Wildcats launched the era of their new venue with a 31–26 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies. Since then the stadium has hosted the college team's home games for more than half a century.
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at Kroger Field is among the lively features of college football in Kentucky. The home environment of the Kentucky Wildcats in the SEC draws large crowds that, on major games, fill the stands for 61,000 spectators.
Fan culture
Fans of the Kentucky Wildcats create a loud and colourful backdrop at the stadium in Lexington. On game days the University of Kentucky campus fills with supporters in team colours, and the area around the stadium comes alive with the traditional pre-game tailgating that is a firmly rooted custom of the school.
Big matches
The most important fixtures are home games within the Southeastern Conference, in which the Wildcats face strong college sides from the southeastern United States. These contests draw sell-out crowds and rank among the highlights of every season of American college football in Kentucky.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
A visit to Kroger Field is tied to the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. The stadium, seating 61,000 spectators, stands at the corner of Alumni Drive and University Drive, and on game days for the Kentucky Wildcats the surroundings turn into a lively hub of activity.
How to get there
The stadium is located on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington, at the corner of Alumni Drive and University Drive. Visitors can reach it by road or on foot from other parts of the university grounds. On game days, expect heavier traffic.
Tickets and tours
Tickets for Kentucky Wildcats home games follow the SEC schedule, and availability depends on the importance of the fixture. We recommend following the official university athletics channels.
Visitor tips
- When to arrive: on game day, come early because of the campus atmosphere and traffic.
- What to bring: clothing in the Kentucky team colours.
- Where to orient yourself: at the corner of Alumni Drive and University Drive.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Lexington, United States
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