Some final thoughts.
Kentucky as a whole almost feels like a different country. Everything is kind of dirty, out of date, and in slight disrepair. There seems to be a lot of understaffing, undersupply and just general poor organization. Even compared to states like Arkansas, Louisiana or Alabama that I've been to. (okay probably not compared to Louisiana now that I think about it)
I think mainly it's just an observation of economic circumstance. Maybe someone that knows more could chime in. It is what it is.
Louisville is a nice little city with quite a bit to do - not that we got to do much. It kind of struck me as like a Rich Man's version of Little Rock or Memphis et al.
Lexington reminded me a decent amount of East Texas. The neighborhood between campus and wherever the Bear and Butcher and Charlie Brown's are was beautiful to walk through a couple times. The campus itself is nice but unremarkable. Everything seemed pretty new like 15 years ago they tore it all down and started over?
The fanbase was both better looking and less... Appalachiany... than I thought. There was a dose of redneck in the stands but I didn't see anything nasty or physical. Which brings me to a larger point that the people as a whole are utterly pleasant. It's like a cross between Southern fake-politeness and Midwestetn earnestness. I'm not sure what happens when you cross the border to Ohio. Everyone has some unsolicited story or information to share and acts as if you're the first person they've seen in a week.
The stadium itself is almost as classic as it gets. Really great environment and the fans punch above their weight. Anyone that didn't want to play football in this conference is a fucking moron. Texas fits in beautifully and it was very cool to see the stylistic contrast between the fans, cheers and band. Especially standing for UK's alma mater and then singing The Eyes.
Overall - great experience - and left a very positive impression of UK fans and Kentucky as a whole with me. My mom has some friends that live an hour outside of Lousiville so maybe I'll need to come back for SMU hoops or football or Texas basketball. Also makes me want to check out some more SEC destinations.
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