2026 Kentucky Football Schedule & Kroger Field Gameday Hub: SEC Standings, Cat Walk Traditions & Kickoff Times

The Master Gameday Hub: Following a historic 35–34 walk-off overtime triumph against No. 10 LSU, Will Stein’ Kentucky Wildcats (5–1, 2–1 SEC) enter mid-October with College Football Playoff positioning on the line. Here is your definitive 2026 Kentucky Football schedule with kickoff windows, TV network destinations, Kroger Field Cat Walk logistics, tailgating lot protocols, and premier downtown Lexington sports bar pairings.
Kentucky Wildcats football gameday tailgate with royal blue tents and stadium lights
Tailgating outside Kroger Field along Commonwealth Drive in Lexington, Kentucky.

1. 2026 Kentucky Football Schedule, Results & TV Information

Date Opponent Kickoff / Result TV Network Venue & Location
Sat, Sept 5 Youngstown State W, 45–13 SECN+ Kroger Field (Lexington)
Sat, Sept 12 #4 Alabama L, 17–45 ABC Kroger Field (Lexington)
Sat, Sept 19 @ Texas A&M W, 31–21 ESPN Kyle Field (College Station)
Sat, Sept 26 South Alabama W, 45–21 SECN Kroger Field (Lexington)
Sat, Oct 3 @ South Carolina W, 35–34 ESPN2 Williams-Brice (Columbia)
Sat, Oct 10 #10 LSU W, 35–34 (OT) ABC/ESPN Kroger Field (Lexington)
Sat, Oct 17 @ Oklahoma 3:30 PM ET ABC Memorial Stadium (Norman)
Sat, Oct 24 Vanderbilt (Homecoming) 7:00 PM ET SECN Kroger Field (Lexington)
Sat, Nov 7 @ Tennessee 3:30 PM ET ESPN Neyland Stadium (Knoxville)
Sat, Nov 14 Murray State 1:30 PM ET SECN+ Kroger Field (Lexington)
Sat, Nov 21 @ Texas 12:00 PM ET ABC DKR Stadium (Austin)
Sat, Nov 28 Louisville (Governor’s Cup) 3:30 PM ET ABC/ESPN Kroger Field (Lexington)

2. Kroger Field Cat Walk Traditions & Tailgating Protocols

The signature tradition of Kentucky gamedays is The Cat Walk, occurring precisely two hours and fifteen minutes prior to kickoff outside Gate 1 of Kroger Field. The team buses arrive outside the Joe Craft Football Training Facility, where thousands of Big Blue Nation fans line the pathway alongside the UK Marching Band and cheer squad to welcome head coach Will Stein and the squad into the stadium.

Tailgating Lot Cheat Sheet

  • Blue Lot (Permit Only): Surrounds Kroger Field directly; lots open at 8:00 AM on Saturdays for afternoon/evening kickoffs.
  • Red Lot & Green Lot: Primary student and general public permit parking on Cooper Drive and Sports Center Drive.
  • Gluck Equine Center Grass: Outstanding family-friendly tent tailgating adjacent to the agricultural campus.
  • Cat Walk Arrival: Arrive at Gate 1 at least 2 hours and 30 minutes before kickoff for prime railing spots.

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