University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans after hinting at the possibility of hosting non-football sporting events — including basketball and hockey — at Kroger Field. The idea, while unconventional, is part of a broader push by UK Athletics to think creatively about how to maximize the use of the Wildcats’ football stadium year-round.
“You never know,” Barnhart said during a Tuesday media session. “You’ve seen anything. I won’t name any groups, but you see stuff going on in stadiums. Why not? Why not try? I think you’re looking for things that could happen.” While Barnhart was cautious not to make any promises, his comments have opened the door to some intriguing possibilities.
The notion of basketball being played outdoors — especially at a football stadium — is not without challenges. “I’m a little short on saying basketball on a slippery surface in November,” Barnhart admitted, acknowledging the risks of unpredictable weather and player safety. Still, his willingness to even entertain the idea suggests that Kentucky is thinking outside the box when it comes to fan experiences.
In addition to basketball, Barnhart floated another unique possibility: hosting an outdoor hockey game at Kroger Field. With NHL franchises located just a few hours away in Columbus and Nashville, the concept of a “mid-winter classic” in Lexington could draw national attention and showcase the city in a completely new way.
“We’ve got a franchise that sits up in Columbus. We’ve got one down in Nashville,” Barnhart said. “Could there be a meeting of the minds and do a mid-winter classic in here? Could we? I don’t know. Would they be interested? I don’t know. But why not?” His comments made clear that while no discussions have been formalized, the idea remains on the table.
For Kentucky Athletics, the potential benefits go beyond novelty. These types of events could bring in significant revenue, attract visitors from out of town, and energize the fan base during times of the year when Kroger Field typically sits idle. Outdoor basketball games have been successful at the professional and college level before, and the NHL’s Winter Classic has become one of hockey’s most celebrated annual events.
Barnhart’s openness to these possibilities comes as UK Athletics continues to invest in facility upgrades. The department has been looking for creative ways to leverage its assets, not only for traditional sports but also for concerts, special events, and community engagement opportunities.
While it’s far from certain that Kentucky will host basketball or hockey games at Kroger Field, the fact that the conversation is happening reflects a changing mindset in college athletics. Universities are increasingly exploring multi-use venue strategies to keep fans engaged and create memorable experiences.
The reaction from the Big Blue Nation will likely play a big role in determining whether these ideas move forward. If fans express strong interest, it could prompt UK Athletics to explore feasibility studies, weather contingency plans, and potential partnerships with professional leagues.
For now, these concepts remain just that — concepts. But Barnhart’s remarks have planted a seed that could one day grow into one of the most unique events in Kentucky sports history. Whether it’s a mid-winter hockey showdown or an outdoor basketball spectacle under the lights, Kroger Field could become the stage for something truly unprecedented.
As Barnhart put it simply: “Why not?” In a sports world where fan engagement is king, Kentucky’s willingness to think boldly might be exactly what keeps Big Blue Nation at the forefront of college athletics innovation.
