NASHVILLE, Tenn. ? The Kentucky football team had its first practice in Nashville on Thursday as the Wildcats prepare to play Florida State in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl.
The Wildcats worked out for two hours, 15 minutes in full pads. Temperatures were in the upper 40s and cloudy skies threatened rain, but held off from precipitation.
Coach Rich Brooks reported that sophomore cornerback Paul Warford (Richmond, Ky.), who missed practices last week because of a shoulder injury, was able to practice today and is now expected to play on Monday. Senior wide receiver Keenan Burton (Louisville, Ky.), who is considered doubtful to play because of recurring swelling in his knee, did some running at practice. Brooks said that Burton?s status would be re-evaluated on Friday when it is seen how the knee reacted to the running.
After practice, Brooks was asked about returning to the same bowl two years in a row.
?This is a quality bowl,? Brooks said. ?We?re playing quality opponents in Clemson and now Florida State. It?s in a really nice city and we had the first sellout (of LP Field last season). Our fans loved it. It sold out within 24 hours of them announcing we were coming this year, so our fans are excited to be back here, our team is excited.?
The team will attend the official welcome party on Thursday night. Friday?s schedule includes the Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast and practice in the afternoon. The game will be played on Monday, Dec. 31, at 4 p.m. EST (3 p.m. CST in Nashville) at LP Field.
Alumni Office has Welcome Reception on Sunday: All UK alumni and fans are invited to stop in for a welcome reception at the official UK Alumni Association hotel ? Homewood Suites at 706 Church Street in downtown Nashville. The reception will be Sunday from 4-6 p.m. CST.
Association members will receive a commemorative gift by showing their membership card or keytag. A cash bar and snacks will be available. Following the reception, alumni and friends will walk down to 2nd Avenue to watch the Battle of the Bands, which begins at 6 p.m. CST. Visit for more details on Battle of the Bands.
Fans Invited to Official Pre-Game Party: Put your game face on and join UK alumni and fans for the official pre-game party on Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BB King?s Blues Club, located in downtown Nashville at the corner of Commerce Street and 2nd Avenue.
Located just minutes from L.P. Field, BB King?s Blues Club offers a unique atmosphere and experience in the Music City. Tickets are $35 each and will be available for pick up at ?will call? at BB King?s at 10 a.m. on the day of the event. Admission includes a Backyard BBQ buffet, live entertainment, and unlimited soda, coffee and tea. A cash bar will be available. Total Sports Travel is handling reservations for this event. Reservations can be made at or by calling 1-888-367-8781. (Note: the UK Basketball game against Florida International will be aired at BB King?s).
?Cat Walk? Set for Music City Bowl: The ?Cat Walk? has been set for 12:30 p.m. CST at LP Field before the Music City Bowl.
=Fans are encouraged to line up on the east side of the stadium (same side of the stadium as parking lot ?C?) in order to greet the Wildcats when they arrive. Note that Kentucky is the visiting team this year, therefore the Cat Walk will be on the opposite side of the stadium from a year ago.
