Kroger Field to sell alcohol at Kentucky football games in 2023

Kroger Field will allow the sale of alcohol during Kentucky football games during the 2023 season, sources tell Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones. He expects an official announcement to be made by the end of the week.

Alcohol sales have been a long-argued debate among Big Blue Nation over the past several years. Athletics director Mitch Barnhart had never prioritized the move and was always one to beat around the bush whenever the topic arose.

That all changed when UK Athletics began a trial run with alcohol sales in February with the baseball team. The softball team followed suit the following month. Per the rules UK Athletics had set, after the fifth inning alcohol would no longer be sold at either stadium.

“Our priority is, as always, to positively impact our student-athletes and the experience of our fans,” Barnhart said before allowing sales at Kentucky Proud Park, via KSR. “As has been our longstanding practice, we approached this deliberately, keeping in mind our priorities and principles.  We focused on data and the lessons learned and best practices from other institutions. 

“After careful consideration of these factors, we concluded that the time is right to implement a pilot program at baseball and softball games this season so that we can learn more.”

The Southeastern Conference began permitting the sale of alcohol in 2019, and once the news officially comes out, Kentucky will become the 11th SEC program to allow alcohol sales at their football stadium.

“Mitch and his team moved thoughtfully through a process that led to this pilot program,” University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said about the sales in February. “The decision to initiate a pilot program is one that the institution grappled with, and the methodical approach taken by the athletics department will lead to the best experience for our student-athletes and sports fans alike.  It is through that lens that we will make decisions about future seasons.”

Festivities will begin early and often this season, as Kentucky football is set to kick its 2023 season off at home on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Noon ET against Ball State live on the SEC Network. The Wildcats have opened as an early 27-point favorite over the Cardinals.

After that, Kentucky will play its next two games at Kroger Field against in-state foe Eastern Kentucky and the following week against Akron before hitting the road to start SEC play against Vanderbilt for Week 4.