State Street controversy sparks again after another big Kentucky win

What is it about half a mile of blacktop near downtown Lexington that makes people go crazy? Perhaps there’s something in the air that makes students flip cars around like paperweights. Maybe the street attracts fervent interior designers who love to burn ugly couches. Or has State Street become holy ground for UK students to celebrate their ‘Cats in the most ridiculous manner possible?

We’ll go with option three.

Mixed reactions to the scene

After Kentucky’s 26-16 triumph over No. 12 Florida on Saturday night, the UK student body took to State Street to commemorate Kentucky’s win. The massive party included students climbing up houses, igniting a fire big enough to reach the power lines, and, eventually, the Lexington Police Department making an appearance. To put it shortly, the public had mixed reactions to the mayhem.

Please address this @LexingtonKyGov. This is an embarrassment. https://t.co/EdjgbbIKUP

— Jason Grefer (@JasonGrefer) September 11, 2022

And all is right in the world 😌 https://t.co/R45yEnxnOC

— Matt Couch (@Matt_Couch8) September 11, 2022

Jeez act like you been there before🙃 https://t.co/tWwRLtYKxW

— Bigfootgroupie (@JoshuaJ67149889) September 11, 2022

I love it

— JD Shelburne (@JDSHELBURNE) September 11, 2022

The history of State Street

Obviously, State Street is a topic of controversy. However, most people forget that it has been for a while. In 2012, Kentucky students nearly destroyed the street after Calipari led the ‘Cats to their first championship since 1998. Only two years later, fans replicated their excitement when UK sent Louisville packing in the NCAA Tournament.

From the beginning of the tradition, it’s been essentially impossible to go the whole night without the police being forced to take action. When Kentucky beat Florida in 2018, the police asked the public for help in identifying vandals. Only last year, the police had to make an arrest when a fight broke out amid the chaos.

The greatest tradition

Nonetheless, this reckless behavior isn’t a product of the times. BBN has always been crazy. After Joe B. Hall led Kentucky to a national title in 1978, fans caused havoc. Over 10,000 supporters packed the Bluegrass Airport, awaiting the return of their heroes.

40 years ago today: 7,000 UK basketball fans packed @BGAirport to welcome @KentuckyMBB home after winning @NCAA title. #BBN waited 4 hours & some fans fainted when team arrived. Details https://t.co/hbNAB61HS2 pic.twitter.com/9mtZKvNC0P

— KY Photo Archive (@KYPhotoArchive) March 28, 2018

During their short wait, multiple women were smothered and fainted, three people fell through the roof of the airport, and major damage was done to the terminal. The team’s plane literally couldn’t land because there were too many people surrounding the area. Suddenly, UK students’ current tradition doesn’t sound so bad.

State Street is here to stay

So, is the State Street tradition a bit over the top? Of course. But is it fun? Absolutely. Like anything in life, there will be a few rowdy individuals who take things too far (flipping a car is not acceptable), but that doesn’t mean the tradition should be banned entirely.

State Street is sacred ground and students will continue to treat it as such for the foreseeable future.