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School
University
Stadium
Kroger Field
Capacity
61,000
Conference
SEC
The neighborhoods where Lexington fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
Main Street and surrounding areas with upscale bars and restaurants
Notable Bars
Historic area with bourbon bars and Kentucky distillery tours
Notable Bars
Bars and restaurants near the University of Kentucky campus
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the University Kentucky Wildcats home schedule
Sep 5
Sep 12
Sep 19
Sep 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 21
Nov 28
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Lexington offers quintessential Bluegrass fall weather with warm September games, spectacular October conditions perfect for horse country tailgates, and crisp November matchups. The rolling hills create beautiful autumn scenery, though weather can be unpredictable.
80°
High
58°
Low
69°
High
47°
Low
57°
High
37°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Kroger Field.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Lexington's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
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Classic college bar
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Live music venue
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Craft brewery
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Cocktail bar
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College bar
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The best order to hit Lexington's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.
Start
Two Keys Tavern, 333 S Limestone, Lexington, KY
Est. Time
3–4 hours
Total Distance
1.2 miles
Start Here
Two Keys Tavern, 333 S Limestone, Lexington, KY
333 S Limestone, Lexington, KY
383 S Limestone, Lexington, KY
375 Thompson Rd, Lexington, KY
401 W Main St, Lexington, KY
501 W Sixth St, Lexington, KY
End Point
West Sixth Brewing, 501 W Sixth St, Lexington, KY
Two Keys Tavern has been open since 1933 — it's the mandatory first stop for any Kentucky gameday. Work your way from campus toward the Distillery District for a bourbon-forward finish. Ask the bartender at every stop for their Kentucky bourbon recommendation — you're in the heart of bourbon country.
What makes Kentucky Wildcats game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
Two hours before every home kickoff, the Kentucky football team walks from the Joe Craft Football Training Facility to Kroger Field through a corridor of cheering Wildcat fans. The Catwalk is a beloved pre-game ritual that connects players with the passionate Big Blue Nation before every home game.
Kentucky's fan base — known Blue Nation — is one of the most passionate in the SEC. While basketball is king in the Bluegrass State, football gamedays have grown into major events with the rise of the program. The sea of blue inside Kroger Field is a proud display of Wildcat loyalty.
Lexington sits in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, and tailgates reflect that heritage. Fans sip premium bourbons, craft cocktails, and local brews before games. The Distillery District's West Sixth Brewing and nearby distilleries make Lexington's pre-game scene uniquely Kentucky.
"On, On, U of K" is Kentucky's fight song, played by the Pride of the Bluegrass marching band after every score and throughout the game. The band's energetic performances and the crowd's enthusiastic response create a spirited atmosphere inside Kroger Field on big SEC matchup days.
The annual game against Louisville — the Governor's Cup — is the most anticipated game on the Kentucky schedule. The in-state rivalry divides families and friends across the Commonwealth every year. The winner earns the Governor's Cup trophy and bragging rights for the entire year.
Two Keys Tavern on South Limestone — open since 1933 — is the oldest and most storied bar in Lexington. It is the mandatory first stop on every Kentucky gameday, where generations of Wildcats have gathered before heading to the stadium. The walls are covered in UK memorabilia and decades of history.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
Classic Diner · 0.8 miles from stadium
Open since 1971, Tolly-Ho is the most beloved late-night and gameday diner in Lexington. The Ho Burger — a thick patty smothered in house chili and melted cheese — is the definitive Kentucky gameday meal. Cash only, no frills, and absolutely legendary among Wildcat fans of every generation.
Southern Breakfast & Brunch · 1.5 miles from stadium
A Lexington institution for gameday morning fuel — the country ham biscuit with redeye gravy is pure Kentucky tradition on a plate. Winchell's has been feeding Wildcat fans before games for decades. Arrive early for noon kickoffs; the line stretches out the door by 9 AM.
Steakhouse · 2.2 miles from stadium
Lexington's premier steakhouse and the go-to gameday splurge for Kentucky fans. The prime ribeye finished with Kentucky bourbon butter is one of the best steaks in the SEC. Make reservations months in advance for Tennessee and Louisville weekends — this place books out fast.
Brewery & Kitchen · 2.0 miles from stadium
Lexington's most celebrated craft brewery serves up gameday-perfect food in the Distillery District. The pretzel bites with warm beer cheese dip paired with their flagship IPA is the ultimate Kentucky gameday snack. The outdoor patio fills with blue-clad Wildcat fans hours before kickoff.
Pizza & Bar · 0.9 miles from stadium
The campus bar that doubles best cheap pizza spot near Kroger Field. Pazzo's BBQ chicken pizza is a gameday staple — crispy crust, smoky sauce, and generous toppings at a price that won't break the bank. The rowdy student atmosphere makes it one of the most fun pre-game stops in Lexington.
BBQ Food Truck · 0.4 miles from stadium
The most popular food truck near Kroger Field parks on University Drive for every home game. The smoked brisket sandwich — slow-cooked for 14 hours and piled high with pickled onions and house sauce — is the best gameday bite near the stadium. Lines move fast and the brisket sells out early.
The top districts in Lexington for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
Main Street and surrounding areas with upscale bars and restaurants
Historic area with bourbon bars and Kentucky distillery tours
Bars and restaurants near the University of Kentucky campus
Turn your love of Kentucky Wildcats football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Kroger Field
Main tailgate area near Kroger Field with thousands of Kentucky fans
Parking lots around the stadium with traditional tailgating
Campus green space with family-friendly tailgating
Rideshare Drop-off
University Drive near Gate 1
Shuttle Service
Lextran buses run from downtown to campus on gamedays. Many hotels offer shuttle service.
Top hotels near Kroger Field for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Lexington game day bar crawls
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Kroger Field, and discover where Kentucky Wildcats fans drink on game day.