It truly was Senior Day at Kroger Field. The Kentucky football players who were honored before the game stole the show in a 42-10 rout of Tennessee Tech.

“I love this team’s attitude and effort, and really greatly appreciate the seniors playing for the last time in Kroger Field,” Mark Stoops said after the win. “Some of those guys have been around a long, long time. Some of them are new, but all of them have had a great impact on our program, and they’ve shown great leadership. I greatly appreciate them and their families being here today to celebrate a good victory.”

It was a particularly special day for running back Seth McGowan, and not just because he ran for three touchdowns. It was the first time his grandmother traveled from Texas to see him play at Kentucky.

“They mean everything to me. It meant a lot to have them here today,” McGowan said of his Dad, Aunt, and Grandma.

Kentucky gave McGowan a second chance. He spent three months in jail after a 2021 robbery in Oklahoma. He’s grateful for the opportunity to showcase his skills at Kentucky and prove to his family that he belongs with the best of the best.

“This was her first one, so me even just being here this year means more than anything to me and my family. My brother, unfortunately he passed away before I could get here. It just means a whole lot to my family. This is everything in the world for them to be here today and put on a little bit of a good performance for them.”

Career Day for Kendrick Law

Even though he did not get into the end zone, Kendrick Law had a very special Senior Day. The Alabama transfer had a career-high 11 receptions for 124 yards. He also had a 40-yard kickoff return just before halftime. On the ensuing snap, he hurdled a defender on an 18-yard gain, giving the Cats enough momentum to punch in another touchdown.

“Today was super exciting for me, and very motivational for me to keep going and constantly keep showing the world what I’m capable of, and I got more in my bag too,” said Law.

Mark Stoops had many words to describe Law’s Senior Day performance, but the first one says it all. “Amazing.” One play in particular stood out.

“We were trying to take a shot. (Cutter) came back to Kendrick in the flat, right on our sidelines. Kendrick made an impressive catch, and then the run he had was unbelievably physical… man, it was violent. I mean, he’s a strong dude.”

Kentucky’s best players are playing at their best when the Wildcats need it most, at the end of the season.

• IKEA is opening a new “plan and order point with pick-up” store in Florence, Kentucky.
• The new store concept will focus on design support for projects like kitchens and bedrooms.
• Located on Mall Road, the store is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.
• Same-day pickup and the company’s iconic food offerings will not be available at this location.

IKEA, the Sweden-based home furnishing retailer, is bringing a new type of shopping experience to Northern Kentucky next year. But it’s not bringing meatballs.

The company is opening a “plan and order point with pick-up” store in Florence to bring “the IKEA experience closer to more residents of the tri-state area,” according to a news release.

“I’m beyond excited to welcome customers to our new plan and order point in Florence next spring,” Susan Blackstock, IKEA market manager, said. “This new store location is perfect for customers who are looking to purchase affordable home furnishings, plan new design projects, and create a home they love. IKEA Florence brings our signature design solutions to the Cincinnati community – making it more accessible, more convenient, and of course, more affordable.”

Here’s what to know.

IKEA announces plans to bring new store concept to Northern Kentucky

IKEA is opening a “plan and order point with pick-up” store in Florence, and the format will focus on face-to-face interaction with customers. Shoppers will have the opportunity to meet with an IKEA employee “to plan and order home furnishing solutions that may require design support – such as kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.”

“With this location, we are increasing accessibility to the brand and meeting customers where they are and how they like to shop,” the release said.

When is IKEA opening in Florence?

The new store will open sometime in spring 2026.

Where will the IKEA store be located in Florence?

The new IKEA store will be located right across from the Florence Mall on Mall Road and cover 4,200 square feet of leased retail space.

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Will same-day pick up be available at the IKEA store in Florence?

Customers can arrange home delivery or pick-up at a time that is convenient, but same-day pick up is not available, as all orders need to be placed in advance.

Online shoppers will have the option to pick up qualifying orders by selecting IKEA Florence as their preferred pick-up location at checkout.

Will IKEA Florence sell meatballs and other food options?

The Florence store will not sell its iconic meatballs and other food offerings, according to the news release. Shoppers will have to visit the West Chester Township’s conventional store, which opened in 2008, to satisfy their cravings.

How many ‘plan and order point with pick-up’ stores does IKEA have?

IKEA has already opened more than 20 “plan and order point with pick-up” stores in 13 other states, with several more slated to open within the next couple of weeks.

IKEA: Furniture and meatballs: IKEA opening new locations in 2025 and 2026. Here’s where.

Where is the closest IKEA store to Louisville?

The closest IKEA store to the Louisville area is in West Chester Township in Ohio, located at 9500 Ikea Way. The new Florence store will mark the second location in Greater Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Aaron Valdez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.