Ranking Kentucky's non-conference away games as travel destinations

If there is one thing we know about the color blue, it is that it gets in. If the ‘Cats played in Antarctica, a hoard of Kentucky fans would line up at the nearest snow hiking store, selling out all the UK-branded subzero gear in preparation for the journey. This season’s nonconference basketball schedule features four games taking place in four very different cities.

As Big Blue Nation starts to ponder their travels for Mark Pope’s first season, let’s break down the most enticing destinations. This ranking isn’t necessarily based on the quality of the game, although that factors in, but more so on the city where the games take place.

This year there features no clear-cut winner. I could argue that each game should be atop the list for different reasons. However, for the sake of controversy, I’m going to rank them anyway.

4. Ohio State in New York

KSR’s unpopular opinion day was a few weeks ago, however, consider this my late entry: New York City is kind of awful. Don’t get me wrong, it is awesome in many ways. Its vibrance, constant action, and sheer vastness make it an appealing concrete jungle to those ambitious for an urban adventure.

It’s also dirty, and noisy, and most of the locals are jerks and proud of it. Chalk this up as a fine place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there. And the thing is, I’ve visited enough. If you’ve never been to the Big Apple or watched a game in Madison Square Garden, don’t allow my curmudgeonly discourse to dissuade you. Go up and enjoy a snowy weekend in December in the Big Apple. Go ice skating by the Rockafeller Center Christmas tree. Take a picture with a half-naked street performer. Get hustled at every subway stop. Enjoy all that New York has to offer.

However, after watching Kentucky play the likes of UConn and Kansas in the past, I think I’ll reserve my travel budget for a team other than Ohio State in a city where the ‘Cats played eight times in the Calipari era.

Call it another unpopular opinion, but it may be time for the CBS Sports Classic to become a CBS Sports Relic.

3. Duke in Atlanta

I could make an argument this one should tied for second, simply because of the magnitude of the opponent, as this will be Mark Pope’s first high-profile game as Kentucky’s head coach and will feature generational talent in Cooper Flagg. However, since I’m trying to focus on the travel component, it slid to third.

Atlanta is awesome. It somehow blends Southern charm with big city amenities (including traffic, unfortunately) and is a relatively short drive from Lexington. Last season, I ranked the North Carolina game in Atlanta as the top non-conference away (from Lexington) game destination and it most certainly lived up to the hype.

This year, however, the Atlanta game will be on a Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. While great for television ratings (evidently), it makes for a challenging road trip for anyone with a nine-to-five job. It is also part of the Champions Classic which means your ticket price reflects that of two games, not just one. And I’m guessing no one is clamoring to get there early to catch Michigan State versus North Carolina.

I love Atlanta and the Duke factor will be huge, but if you can only go to one game, you’ve got to really want to make it to this one.

2. Gonzaga in Seattle

Gonzaga, as an opponent, isn’t nearly as sexy as Duke, but this may be the last time Kentucky will play in Washington in a long, long, time. There’s something about rarity that makes travel exciting, so I’m already making plans to venture to the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle, as a city, is vastly different than any other location on this list, but in certain ways should be very familiar to Southerners. It is a unique blend of urban and outdoorsy. Despite the fact it’s often cold and rainy, there is an abundance of hiking trails, water activities, and other nontraditional city activities, all under the majestic background of Mount Ranier.

The Space Needle is touristy, sure, but also iconic. The same goes for Pikes Place Market but who doesn’t love the idea of slinging a fish?

The people are also extremely friendly (especially compared to New York) and are passionate about their local sports teams. If you’re like me and use Kentucky basketball as an excuse to check out new cities, I highly recommend making the long haul to Seattle.

1. Clemson in adjacent to Clemson

Clemson, South Carolina does not have a Space Needle. No Statue of Liberty. Not even a Coca-Cola factory. It’s not like the neutral-site games in cities that are also home NFL teams. Nope. This is a true road game in a true college town.

You likely would not pick Clemson for a family vacation, but that is why it is ideal for No. 1 on this list. While Seattle, New York, and Atlanta will feature a good chunk of Kentucky fans, walking into Clemson will be very much like walking into the lion, err, tiger’s den. And that is the kind of environment that can lead to the most fun.

Clemson, itself, is very much a college town but weirdly enough, the university is not technically in the city of Clemson. In 1894, South Carolina made the university its own “municipal corporation“, whatever that is, and exempted the school from abiding by city ordinances.

Regardless of technicalities, it is a charming and quaint part of the world and one thirsty for college sports. The Tigers got the ‘Cats in a sport where they have been a historical powerhouse in the Gator Bowl last season, so Kentucky needs to hold court in its own powerhouse sport.

The atmosphere for this game is going to top any visit to the Empire State Building, and if you’re brave enough to wear blue amongst a sea of orange and purple, it will be a rare chance to watch Kentucky play in a new stadium.