Key Takeaways – 2025 Tailgate Rules & Regulations 

• Tailgate Setup Window:

  • Begins Saturday, August 9 at 8 a.m.
  • Any tailgates set up before Aug. 9 will be removed.

• Season-Long Tagging Requirement:

  • Once tailgate setups are approved to begin on Aug. 9, All tents/trailers – must be tagged with Name, Phone Number, and Email Address
  • Tags can be picked up at Kroger Field Gate One starting July 21or tailgaters may choose to create and use their own tags
  • All untagged items are subject to removal

• Safety Guidelines:

  • “Call Before You Stake”
  • Stakes more than four inches deep require  approval by UK Athletics (Call 859-218-3716)
  • Do not stake near tree roots
  • Ensure setups do not block parking spaces

UK Athletics is introducing updated tailgating guidelines for the 2025 season.

The guidelines will provide more structure around the tailgating experience with an eye toward fairness and safety to benefit all those who come to the University of Kentucky campus throughout the week and on game days.

The guidelines are aimed at assisting the University of Kentucky with maintaining the grounds around Kroger Field.

Setup and Removal Dates 
Tailgate Setup is approved to begin on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 8 a.m.

Any setups prior to this point will be removed from the grounds of Kroger Field.

The start date has been set to allow staff to prepare and maintain the complex as much as possible prior to the start of tailgating and football season.

Following the regular season, tailgating tents, structures and trailers must be removed by Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. ET.

Any items left after that point will be removed from the Kroger Field grounds.

Beginning August 9, anything set up (e.g., tents and trailers) must be tagged with contact information to allow UK Athletics staff to reach each item’s owner.

All items left at Kroger Field must contain the following information:

• First and Last Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address

For those who do not wish to provide their own tags, UK Athletics will have tags available starting Monday, July 21 at 8 a.m. ET at Kroger Field Gate 1.  (NOTE: setups may not begin until August 9 or later).

Those seeking to set up their tailgates, beginning August 9, must tag anything left at the stadium so UK staff who need to mow and perform other maintenance needs can contact them in advance of moving those items.

Tents/trailers that are not tagged with contact information will be subject to removal from the Kroger Field grounds.

Safety Measures 
Permanent structures are prohibited around Kroger Field.

“Know what’s below, call before you stake.” Any tent or structure that requires “stakes” more than four inches into the ground must be pre-approved by UK Athletics (859) 218-3716.

Kroger Field is serviced by numerous underground electrical lines, water pipes and other utilities. Driving stakes into utility lines is extremely dangerous.  For safety and usage purposes, it is essential that rules regarding the use of stakes are followed.

Do not stake any tents or structures next to the base/root of a tree.

Ensure that setting up a tent or trailer does not limit the use of a parking space for game day or a normal workday. Tents or trailers who violate this requirement will be removed and/or towed at the expense of the item’s owner.

Full-Service Tailgate Options 
UK Athletics and REVELxp have teamed up once again this year to offer turnkey, hassle-free tailgating for Kentucky football fans! All tailgates are located steps away from Kroger Field and offer a variety of package offerings to accommodate all groups.

To learn more about tailgate packages, click here.