Campus News

Students, Fans Encouraged to Demonstrate #BannerBehavior This Weekend

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 2, 2015) — This weekend, the UK men's basketball team will continue on their journey for the university's ninth NCAA men's basketball championship. As the team heads for Indianapolis, much of the Big Blue Nation will descend upon Lexington, filling restaurants, homes and campus with the excitement a Final Four berth brings to a city.

As students and fans gather, the University of Kentucky is urging all Wildcats to demonstrate #BannerBehavior in all gatherings and celebrations. The hashtag is being used this weekend as part of UK's campus safety efforts.

"We know the Big Blue Nation will flock to Lexington this weekend to watch our men's basketball team compete in the Final Four," Jay Blanton, executive director of UK Public Relations and Marketing, said. "We wanted to create a hashtag to use during the Final Four to encourage all members of the BBN to exhibit behavior worthy of the banners hanging from the rafters at Rupp Arena and will also provide safety tips and information to students."

"This weekend, the national spotlight will be on our men's basketball team as they strive to earn a ninth national championship," UK President Eli Capilouto said. "This team is a great example of the community we foster here at UK. I urge the Big Blue Nation to demonstrate #BannerBehavior and let the spotlight shine on our team and not on our streets."

The Wildcats are on an unprecedented run, sitting at 38-0 heading into the final weekend of basketball.

"It is an incredible moment for our Wildcats, our university and our Commonwealth," UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart said. "But, in an important sense, even more significant than this weekend is the road that led here. Already, we’ve witnessed one of the truly special seasons in college basketball. It’s a story of selflessness and sacrifice, working for team over self, and putting the collective good ahead of individual glory. We hope you, as members of the Big Blue Nation, relish the final steps of this very special journey."

"We know students and fans will gather," Capilouto said. "We know you will celebrate. But remember you are representing the University of Kentucky and let your actions this weekend be reflective of the pride you have for your team and your university."

Various university social media accounts will be sharing information using the #BannerBehavior hashtag leading up to and throughout the weekend. Lexington traffic information including, street closures, will be updated through the city's @LexWrecks Twitter account.

"The goal and sentiment of this hashtag is simple — be safe and respectful in your celebrations," Blanton said. "Watch out for one another. Keep each other safe. Be smart and careful. Have fun."

MEDIA CONTACTS: Jay Blanton, jay.blanton@uky.edu, 859-699-0041; Kathy Johnson, kathy.johnson@uky.edu, 859-257-3155; Katy Bennett, katy.bennett@uky.edu, 859-257-1909