UK Takes National Spotlight as UK Football Hosts Thursday Night Game

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2015) — Tonight fans will flood the new Commonwealth Stadium to cheer on the Wildcats. UK football will host the Auburn University Tigers for the program's first home Thursday night football game since 1939.

The matchup provides an exclusive opportunity for the national spotlight to shine bright on the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the city of Lexington and the University of Kentucky.

“Hosting a Thursday night game provides a distinctive opportunity to showcase, in the national spotlight, our transforming campus, our deep connection with the city of Lexington, and our great university community,” said UK President Eli Capilouto.

Before cheering the Cats to victory, fans are invited to enjoy pregame events and activities.

A pregame concert featuring chart-topping country duo Montgomery Gentry will take place in the Glen Infiniti Green Lot at the new Commonwealth Stadium. The duo of Kentucky natives Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry will take the stage at 4 p.m.

Fans are then encouraged to greet the UK football players and coaches with a big blue welcome on the Cat Walk as they make their way into the stadium at approximately 4:45 p.m. The team will travel down Sports Center Drive, eventually entering the stadium at Gate 1.

Dee Jay Silver — a top-touring DJ, remixer and producer — will supply the music for the Cat Walk.

Inside the stadium, Marlana VanHoose will sing the national anthem prior to kickoff. VanHoose, a 19-year-old Kentucky native who suffers from cerebral palsy, has an incredible voice that has carried her to perform at the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby and the National Basketball Assocation Finals.

Tonight's game against the Auburn Tigers is sold out, marking the fourth sellout in five Wildcat home games in 2015.

The Wildcats are off to a 4-1 start this season. Auburn now stands in the way of the Cats’ second 5-1 start in as many seasons.

UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said, “With our team developing quickly and a beautiful new stadium, we can’t wait to show America what UK football is all about with this Thursday night game."

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN at 7 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, (270) 566-3988; blair.hoover@uky.edu