Kentucky Proud Park underwent a home renovation for Kentucky Baseball‘s series against Vanderbilt and the NCAA games in Lexington that will likely follow. Earlier this week, @UKBaseball revealed the new bleachers behind the left field wall, extending the stadium’s capacity for the incoming crowds.
“We built it because we know you’re going to come,” the post read.
Tonight, first-place Kentucky begins its final regular season series with Game 1 against Vanderbilt. The first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. in Lexington, and the bleachers are open for business, meaning the attendance record is on notice. Last month, the Big Blue Nation set a new high with 7,304 fans in attendance for the Wildcats versus the Vols. Now with an increased capacity, the new record is in jeopardy, whether this weekend or in a couple of weeks.
Nick Mingione thinks the addition to UK’s ballpark is “awesome.” On Wednesday, the new left field bleachers came up in Mingione’s pre-Vanderbilt Q&A on campus. He told a story of the team getting back late Sunday night from an exhausting three-game battle in Gainesville. Mingione admitted to hurrying home as it was after midnight, but the players saw the newly installed bleachers upon their arrival and demanded that Brock Doud, the club’s Director of Operations, turn on the stadium lights for a better look.
“The guys saw it, and they were so excited,” Mingione said. “They had to turn the lights on. It was like one o’clock in the morning.”
He added, “I’m just so thankful for our fans to come out. The reason why we’re having to do that is because more people are coming. So that wouldn’t be possible without the Big Blue Nation, so super thankful for all of our fans all weekend. I’m going to need you again this weekend.”
Mingione also acknowledged the symbolism of needing new seats, saying, “Just seeing that, that usually means that you’re doing good, and there’s going to be a postseason game at your home. So that’s what we want. Two years in a row. Pretty awesome.”
Pretty awesome, indeed. Head to UKBaseballTix.com for any information on tickets and ticket availability.
Go Cats.
Kentucky Proud Park Seating Map for 2024 Regional
Watch Nick Mingione’s Pre-Vanderbilt Press Conference
More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel
Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.
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