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Much of the look, design, feel and contours of Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington,
Kentucky bears an eerie resemblance to that of Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park.
Sure enough, the two venues opened within a month of each other back in 1973, and
undoubtedly were designed by the same architectural firm. In terms of original
construction, this is the newest venue in the Southeastern Conference.
The Kentucky Wildcats football program does not have the history or tradition of
success as their basketball brethren do. That does not stop their fans from pretty
much filling the place game in and game out, and with plenty of surface parking
surrounding the stadium, that makes for a pretty colorful tailgating scene, a see of blue
and white.
The stadium itself is located on the fringes of the city south of downtown Lexington,
amidst the bucolic campus of the University of Kentucky. In addition to ample parking
throughout the campus, fans can also catch shuttle busses which run from the bus
station as well as Rupp Arena in downtown ($2 round trip).
Stadium capacity here is a tad under 68,000, and that includes one expansion which
was done in 1999, along with the addition of 40 suites and the construction of
diamondvision video boards in each end zone.
The unique part of the game day experience here involves the state’s rich tradition with
horses. As the team comes out on the field, the traditional “Call to the Post” is played
by the trumpeter. And just like at the Kentucky Derby, fans here sing a rendition of “My
Ole’ Kentucky Home” with the lyrics scrolling on the video board. Nice touch!
As for the game, we saw a doozy. Kentucky survived a scare against visiting Middle
Tennessee State, winning 20-14. On the last play of the game, the Blue Raiders
heaved a desperation pass which went 61 yards, and the receiver was tackled at the
ankles on the half yard line as time expired.
Kentucky bears an eerie resemblance to that of Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park.
Sure enough, the two venues opened within a month of each other back in 1973, and
undoubtedly were designed by the same architectural firm. In terms of original
construction, this is the newest venue in the Southeastern Conference.
The Kentucky Wildcats football program does not have the history or tradition of
success as their basketball brethren do. That does not stop their fans from pretty
much filling the place game in and game out, and with plenty of surface parking
surrounding the stadium, that makes for a pretty colorful tailgating scene, a see of blue
and white.
The stadium itself is located on the fringes of the city south of downtown Lexington,
amidst the bucolic campus of the University of Kentucky. In addition to ample parking
throughout the campus, fans can also catch shuttle busses which run from the bus
station as well as Rupp Arena in downtown ($2 round trip).
Stadium capacity here is a tad under 68,000, and that includes one expansion which
was done in 1999, along with the addition of 40 suites and the construction of
diamondvision video boards in each end zone.
The unique part of the game day experience here involves the state’s rich tradition with
horses. As the team comes out on the field, the traditional “Call to the Post” is played
by the trumpeter. And just like at the Kentucky Derby, fans here sing a rendition of “My
Ole’ Kentucky Home” with the lyrics scrolling on the video board. Nice touch!
As for the game, we saw a doozy. Kentucky survived a scare against visiting Middle
Tennessee State, winning 20-14. On the last play of the game, the Blue Raiders
heaved a desperation pass which went 61 yards, and the receiver was tackled at the
ankles on the half yard line as time expired.
COMMONWEALTH
STADIUM
Lexington,
Kentucky
Middle Tennessee
State Blue Raiders
at Kentucky
Wildcats
September 13,
2008
STADIUM
Lexington,
Kentucky
Middle Tennessee
State Blue Raiders
at Kentucky
Wildcats
September 13,
2008
| Lexington, Kentucky |
Commonwealth Stadium
