Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope follows through on pledge to fans

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope recently made headlines for his generous offer to help fund fan travel to the Wildcats’ first round game in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. Although Pope initially seemed to regret his vow, he ultimately followed through on his promise.

Kentucky was set to play Troy in Milwaukee in the first round on Friday. During a call-in radio show, Pope volunteered to cover fuel costs for Kentucky fans willing to drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Wisconsin. “It’s only a 7-hour drive, so if you’re having trouble with gas money, hit me up. Let’s get all of (Big Blue Nation) BBN out there,” Pope said.

Pope later received a message from a Kentucky student named Jack, who requested money for gas and possibly a ticket to the game. The student, who had traveled to Florida for spring break, promised he would make it to Milwaukee in time for tip-off. “It just went from gas money to a ticket!” Pope responded enthusiastically.

Screenshots of an email exchange between Pope’s executive assistant and the student surfaced on social media, showing the process for receiving the gas money. The email requested proof of tickets to the game and verification that no high school-aged individuals were part of the traveling party. It also asked for Venmo information.

In a follow-up email, the student was offered a $100 Visa gift card to pick up at the office. Pope’s gesture towards the fans garnered positive attention and showcased his commitment to the Kentucky community.

Pope, who coached Kentucky to a 22-11 regular season record in his first year at the helm, expressed his love for the Big Blue Nation and the unique bond he shares with the fans. The coach’s willingness to support the fans in attending the game exemplifies the strong connection between the team and its supporters.

As the Wildcats prepared for their tournament matchup, Pope’s act of generosity served as a reminder of the special relationship between the team and its loyal fan base. The Kentucky community rallied behind Pope’s initiative, showcasing the unity and spirit that define the Wildcats’ fan base.

In conclusion, Mark Pope’s commitment to helping fans attend the NCAA tournament game exemplifies his dedication to the Kentucky community. The coach’s generosity and support for the fans highlight the strong bond between the team and its supporters, setting a positive example for sportsmanship and unity.