Kentucky Football Announces Fan Experience Enhancements for 2026 Season at Kroger Field

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky Athletics announced a series of fan-focused enhancements coming to Kroger Field for the 2026 season, with a greater emphasis on creating a memorable experience for fans, while building the kind of game-day atmosphere that positively impacts the Wildcats.

Many of the enhancements were developed in response to fan feedback and reflect Kentucky Athletics’ ongoing commitment to delivering greater value, convenience and excitement for fans while continuing to build one of the premier home-field environments in college football.

New for 2026 at Kroger Field

• Lower pricing on select concession items
• New Kentucky Football team introduction as part of an expanded pregame experience
• New game-day host Ohavia Phillips
• Game-by-game fan themes and more in-stadium engagement
• Expanded food and beverage offerings, including local favorites
• New “Just Walk Out” concession locations utilizing technology by Amazon through the University of Kentucky’s partnership with Compass Group
• Cashless concessions and UK Team Shop
• New chairback seating added along the north sideline

“Big Blue Nation’s passion is one of Kentucky’s greatest strengths,” said UK Athletics Director and Champions Blue CEO J Batt. “We want to continue investing in an experience that rewards our fans’ commitment, creates lasting memories and helps generate the energy and atmosphere that positively impacts our team every time it runs onto the field.”

“Big Blue Nation makes a difference for our team,” said Kentucky Head Coach Will Stein. “The energy our fans bring to Kroger Field has a direct impact on the game, and we’re excited to celebrate the traditions that make Kentucky Football special while creating new ones along the way. The enhancements and experiences coming to Kroger Field this season will help make Saturdays in Lexington even more memorable for our fans and an even greater home-field advantage for our team.”

Lower Prices and More Food Options

Through the University of Kentucky’s Enterprise Services Partnership with Compass Group, fans will see lower prices on select concessions items beginning this season, including reductions of up to 50 percent on some of the most popular offerings at Kroger Field, along with an expanded lineup of food and beverage options.

New Concession Pricing for 2026

Fans will see significant savings on popular concession items throughout Kroger Field, including:

• Hot Dog: $5 to $3
• Pretzel: $5 to $3
• Nachos: $6 to $4
• Popcorn: $4 to $3
• Chicken Basket: $13 to $10
• 20 oz. Soda and Water: $7 to $4
• Domestic Canned Beer: $10 to $5*

*Select brands and can sizes may vary in price.

The improvements are designed to make game day more affordable while improving overall quality, variety and convenience for fans and families attending Kentucky Football games.

In addition to traditional stadium favorites, fans will enjoy new food and beverage offerings, including local favorites and restaurant-quality options designed to deliver a better overall concessions experience.

That expanded lineup will feature Kentucky-based products such as Taylor Belle’s ice cream, Kentucky Proud popcorn, Kentucky Legend hot dogs and Marksbury Farm brats and more, ensuring local flavor is on the game-day menu at Kroger Field.

Faster, More Convenient Concessions

Fans will also benefit from two new concession locations featuring Just Walk Out technology by Amazon, implemented through UK’s partnership with Compass Group.

The technology allows fans to enter, select their items and leave without stopping at a traditional checkout line, reducing wait times and creating a faster, more convenient concessions experience.

UK fans have experienced the convenience during men’s basketball games with a similar location inside Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

Cashless Venues

Beginning this season, concessions, UK Team Shop merchandise at all on-campus athletics venues will be fully cashless.

The transition is designed to provide faster transactions and greater convenience through credit cards, debit cards and mobile payment options. Fans can visit UKAthletics.com/cashless for additional information before arriving on game day.

Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center has been cashless since 2022.

UK Student Meal Plan Concession Exchanges

UK students will have the ability to use a meal plan swipe as a concession exchange for designated combo options at select Kroger Field locations near the student section:

• Pizza stand inside Gate 1: Meal plan swipe exchange includes pizza and fountain soda or water
• Traditional concession stand just inside Gate 1: Located outside the entrance to the student section. Meal plan swipe exchange options include either a hot dog, chips and fountain soda or water; or nachos, pretzel and fountain soda or water
• Stand inside Gate 14: Meal plan swipe exchange includes a walking taco of choice and fountain soda or water

Enhanced Fan Experience

Fans will see several new elements throughout the 2026 season designed to bring additional energy and engagement to Kroger Field.

The Wildcats will debut a new team introduction sequence as part of an expanded pregame buildup with the goal of increasing excitement and connection leading up to kickoff.

New game-day host Ohavia Phillips will help lead the in-stadium experience and engage fans throughout the game.

Game-by-game fan themes and continued improvements to in-stadium engagement will help fans play a bigger role in creating a unique atmosphere at every home game.

The improvements are designed to create a more energetic atmosphere for fans and student athletes alike while further enhancing Kroger Field’s home-field advantage.

Continued Investment in Kroger Field

The fan experience enhancements build upon Kentucky Athletics’ ongoing investment in Kroger Field and its commitment to maintaining and improving one of the premier venues in college football.

During the offseason, Kentucky completed several facility improvement projects, including resurfacing work on the north side of the stadium, renovations to corner suites and the addition of new chairback seating along the north sideline — which sold out.

The resurfacing project is part of a broader multi-phase effort that will continue around Kroger Field in the coming years. These investments are designed to strengthen and preserve the stadium’s structural integrity while improving the fan experience and ensuring Kroger Field remains a first-class venue for decades to come.

Combined with improvements in concessions, amenities, game presentation and fan engagement, these projects reflect Kentucky Athletics’ continued commitment to delivering an exceptional game-day experience for Big Blue Nation.