Calipari Wants Univ. Of Kentucky To Play More Games In Louisville

Calipari Says More Games In Freedom Hall Would Strengthen UK's Recruiting In Louisville

Univ. of Kentucky (UK) men's basketball coach John Calipari "would like to expand the program's annual game in Louisville to a separate ticket package of games" in the city, according to Jerry Tipton of the LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER. Calipari: "No question we'd like to play more than one game. I wouldn't be against us moving a league game here. But they have to be sellouts." Calipari asked that fans make tonight's game against UNC-Asheville at Freedom Hall a "sellout in order to help him sell the administration on the idea of several 'home' games in Louisville each season." Calipari "spoke of games" against an SEC opponent, an opponent in a "so-called guarantee game and 'another good game' with, say, Indiana as the opponent." Calipari said that an "increase in games in Louisville should not be seen as detracting from the schedule of games in Rupp Arena." He said that UK "hopes to have a home schedule of 19 to 21 games, counting exhibitions," and home games "against marquee opponents would not be moved to Louisville." The idea of "more games in Louisville is to strengthen UK's recruiting in the state's largest city." Calipari: "You'd never want to do anything to take away from our fans in Lexington, but to build another base -- think about it: two season ticket packages, one in Lexington and one in Louisville. Then it becomes a big deal" (LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER, 11/30).