LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville have signed an additional six-year contract that will extend the football series through the 2005 season.
As with the current agreement, the game will be the season opener for both teams in all six years of the contract. The visiting school will be allotted 5,500 tickets in each of the six years. Game officials will be assigned by the Big Ten Conference.
“We’re pleased to announce the extension of the contract for six more years,” said C. M. Newton, UK Director of Athletics. “Obviously, this series has generated tremendous enthusiasm, so it’s good for football in the state and good for the two universities.”
“I’ve seen the interest this series has generated for football among our fans and around the state,” U of L Athletics Director Tom Jurich said. “It’s great to open your season against an in-state rival. It has a significant impact on building interest in both the game and the entire season . . . We look forward to opening Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium against Kentucky and having them return in future years.”
“I’m pleased with the new contract,” UK Coach Hal Mumme said. “With all the excitement around both teams, it’s good for football in the state to keep this rivalry going. I look forward to competing with Coach (John L.) Smith and his staff and know they’ll do a class job.”
“Obviously, we’re excited about continuing this in-state rivalry,” said Coach Smith. “Games like Louisville versus Kentucky are what college football is all about. It gives the fans a date to circle on the calendar.
It’s great to come out of the gate and play your rival to start the season.”
The series was renewed in 1994, ending a 70-year break since the two teams had last met in 1924. Since the series began in 1912, Kentucky holds an 8-2 edge over Louisville. However, the teams have split four games since the renewal in 1994.
Including Saturday’s 1998 season opener, the current contract has two games remaining. Kentucky will play host to Louisville on Sept. 4, 1999.
Future Game Dates and Sites
Sept. 5, 1998 Louisville (current contract)
Sept. 4, 1999 Lexington
Sept. 2, 2000 Louisville (new contract begins)
Sept. 1, 2001 Lexington
Aug. 31, 2002 Louisville
Aug. 30, 2003 Lexington
Sept. 4, 2004 Louisville
Sept. 3, 2005 Lexington
