Should UofL Fans Be Upset Over UK Legends Game in Yum! Center?

I was going to refrain from commenting on this because I don’t think it’s a big deal, but I’ll go ahead and give my view on it from a UofL perspective. Don’t expect a grammatical masterpiece as I’m going on about three hours sleep from last night. Here goes nothing; I hope it makes sense.

There is a bit of consternation amongst some Louisville fans over the news of the UK Legends taking on the Dominican National team at the gorgeous KFC Yum! Center. Many are upset over the fact there will probably be a large contingent of hicks UK fans invading the home arena for the Cards for essentially a glorified UK party. I completely understand the concern and quite frankly, as a die hard Louisville fan I’m not thrilled about it. However, it does not bother me.

First, I take it as a compliment they want to hold the game in our fantastic arena. They want to showcase this game as much as possible and in order to do so, it must be held in the best venue possible. There’s no doubt which place that is. Second, it’s an exhibition game that does not conflict with any Louisville events. Who cares?

Yes, it is loaded with Kentucky players, but it’s an exhibition game in August. Honestly, I equate this to something like the Harlem Globetrotters. Finally, the main reason why this does not bother me is because it’s still money for the KFC Yum! Center and the last time I checked, they don’t cancel concerts or other events if they aren’t pro-UofL functions. In my honest opinion, I think this all comes down to the disdain Louisville fans have for UK coach John Calipari. He takes his shots at Louisville, which his fan base loves while completely enraging Cardinal fans. Naturally, him coming to town is going to ruffle some feathers and I think is the heart of the issue.

Again, I totally understand why this would bother some of my fellow Cardinal fans, I truly do. But at the end of the day, it does not conflict with any UofL dates and it’s an exhibition game. Who cares?

I sure don’t.