LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky Athletics has announced updated tailgating guidelines for the 2025 football season, introducing new requirements designed to balance fairness and safety around Kroger Field.

The changes mark a significant shift in how the university manages the long-standing tradition of pregame celebrations. Tailgate setup will begin Saturday, August 8 at 8 a.m., with any structures placed before that date subject to removal. All tents and trailers must be tagged with the owner's name, phone number and email address, with official tags available at Kroger Field Gate One starting July 21. Untagged items will be removed from the grounds.

Following the regular season, all tailgating structures must be removed by Saturday, December 6 at 5 p.m. ET. UK Athletics said the setup schedule was designed to allow staff adequate time to maintain the stadium complex before the football season begins.

Safety represents a key component of the new rules. Stakes deeper than four inches into the ground require advance approval from UK Athletics by calling 859-218-3716. The university emphasized the danger posed by deep stakes, noting that Kroger Field is serviced by underground electrical lines, water pipes and other utilities. Tailgaters are also prohibited from staking near tree roots or positioning setups in ways that block parking spaces.

The Cooper Drive tailgate setup will operate separately under Friday noon ET start times before game days, maintaining a distinct schedule from the August 8 general setup day.

UK Athletics and REVELxp have partnered to offer full-service tailgate packages for fans seeking a turnkey alternative. All REVELxp tailgates are located near Kroger Field and offer customizable package options.

The guidelines arrive as the university prepares for seven home games this fall, including matchups against Ole Miss, Texas, Tennessee and Florida. The new regulations follow a season in which dedicated tailgaters camped out overnight to secure prime spots around the stadium.