Mark Stoops on Kentucky's night practice under the new Kroger Field lights

Saturday won’t just be our first look at the 2024 Kentucky Football team, it’ll be the debut of Kroger Field’s new LED light system. With a 7:45 p.m. kickoff, the Cats will have plenty of opportunities to show off the new lights, which were part of a $7 million renovation to the stadium this year.

To prepare for the night kick, Kentucky recently held one of its practices at night at the stadium, during which the players also got a sneak peek of the light show. Obviously, the atmosphere was different than if there were 60,000 fans in the stands, but Mark Stoops said on Monday that the practice was just one way he’s trying to get his guys ready for the first of eight home games.

“I don’t think all the lights and banners were completely done at that point, but we shall see how that affects recruiting, the environment, and everything. I think it was very hard to replicate it exactly on that Tuesday. We did put them on at times so they wouldn’t see it for the first time in the game, but the lights are new as well.”

UK Athletics uploaded a clip of the players dancing to “Grove Street Party” on its Instagram story. I’m jealous of every single one of you who will be in Kroger Field Saturday night for the debut.

“Them new lights, I can’t wait to hear that Grove Street,” safety Jordan Lovett said prior to the sneak peek. “Man, I can’t wait to hear the new Grove Street. I can’t wait.”

Despite a stacked schedule, excitement is high for Stoops’ 12th season. Fewer than 100 season tickets remain. Stoops said the team is picking up on the vibes from the BBN, but the staff is encouraging them to take it one play at a time. South Carolina comes to town in Week Two but it wasn’t too long ago (2016) that Southern Miss upset the Cats in the season opener at Kroger Field 44-35. Stoops knows better than to look ahead.

“I think it helps immensely,” he said of the support from fans. “We feel that passion and energy, we certainly feel it in the stadium. We have eight home games and we want to go deliver. You have heard me say that many times. I feel a deep obligation to put a team out there that they are proud of.”

“We are excited about it, we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. That is the big thing. Everyone wants to talk about the schedule, let’s go worry about Southern Miss”

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