Celebrate like a champion: NCAA Tournament safety reminders
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 28, 2025) — Tonight, the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team will play in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against Tennessee. To keep the campus community safe, the UK Police Department (UKPD) will have additional staff on hand and increase patrols on campus and adjacent areas before, during and after the game on Friday.
Fans can be mindful of safety while still having fun. As you cheer on the Wildcats, here are some important safety reminders:
- Be mindful in crowds. No matter the size of your watch party, stay aware of your surroundings. If it starts to feel unsafe or too chaotic, find a friend and head somewhere safer.
- Respect the community. All community members are expected to abide by the law. Vandalism, property damage and other illegal activity will not be tolerated.
- Look out for each other. When out celebrating, use the buddy system. Stick in pairs or small groups, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places.
- Plan your ride ahead of time. Be sure to plan how you’ll get home safely. Whether you’re relying on a friend, a rideshare or a bus, think ahead and never drink and drive.
- The Wildcab Voucher program provides eligible students with up to 10 Uber vouchers ($10 each) per semester, valid on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. within Fayette County.
UKPD is also working closely with the City of Lexington and the Lexington Police Department to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The Code of Student Conduct applies to all students, on and off campus. The university expects all students to uphold these values and act respectfully and with integrity.
Remember that safety is a shared responsibility. In the event of an emergency, dial 911. To report suspicious activity happening on campus, call UKPD at 859-257-8573.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.