Louisville is attempting a Red Out for the Kentucky game

MrsTylerKSR

kenny-payne-on-controversial-goaltending-call-vs-syracuse-i-dont-expect-us-to-get-breaks — Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

We have another great example of tone-deafness from the folks down I-64. On Thursday, No. 9 Kentucky heads to Louisville and, given each program’s current trajectory, things could get ugly for the Cardinals in what may be Kenny Payne’s final game as head coach. Even the most diehard members of Card Nation seem content to bury their heads in the sand for this one, but the marketing department on Floyd Street will not be stopped!

This morning, Louisville announced it is holding a Red Out at the Yum Center, even giving away free t-shirts to students. It’s worth noting that Louisville’s semester is over, so students are not on campus. Regardless, those who are can pick up free Louisville Basketball tees at the Rabbit Hole Lounge, a bar next to the arena — while supplies last!

Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Students will fit right in at the red out 🔴

Show your student ID and pick up your free t-shirt from the Rabbit Hole Lounge on Thursday night, while supplies last #GoCards pic.twitter.com/0HjhxvupU6
— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) December 19, 2023

Attendance shouldn’t be an issue on Thursday night, but only because so many Kentucky fans will be in the stands. The crowds at the Yum Center have been minuscule this season, with the number of scanned tickets dipping under 4,500 for the New Mexico State and Arkansas State games. The pictures and videos are so jarring that they’re almost sad, even to a Kentucky fan.

Louisville has an 11-7 lead over Pepperdine early on at the KFC Yum! Center. Here is the crowd on hand for the game. #Louisville #GoCards pic.twitter.com/bVzG3vIzKO
— Dusty Baker (@DustyBakerTV) December 17, 2023

Attendance check at the KFC Yum! Center for the UofL Men vs. Arkansas State … less than stellar #GoCards x #Louisville x #ForTheVille pic.twitter.com/z697OO22zU
— Dusty Baker (@DustyBakerTV) December 14, 2023

Joker and the Theif time. #Louisville down by 12 to Arkansas State @WHAS11 pic.twitter.com/4nADI3kdSj
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) December 14, 2023

Thursday night’s game is approaching a sell-out, with limited tickets in the upper level still available on Ticketmaster. I have a feeling a hefty percentage of the fans in the stands will be wearing blue, which will make this attempt at a Red Out even funnier. Bring it on.