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Kroger Field at C.M. Newton Grounds - home of Kentucky in Lexington, KY
NCAA FBS

Kroger Field at C.M. Newton GroundsLexington, Kentucky

Kentucky

👥
Capacity
61,000
🏆
Conference
SEC
📅
Opened
1973
🌱
Surface
Artificial turf

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📖About Kroger Field at C.M. Newton Grounds

Kroger Field at C.M. Newton Grounds holds 61,000 and is one of the largest stadiums in the SEC. Originally Commonwealth Stadium when it opened in 1973, it was renamed for Kroger (headquartered in Cincinnati) in 2017. The playing surface honors legendary athletics director C.M. Newton, who transformed Kentucky into a multi-sport power.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1973 for $12 million with 57,800 seats to replace Stoll Field/McLean Stadium. The stadium was constructed on the University of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and is still surrounded by experimental fields and horse farms.

Major Renovations

1999West side suites and club seating added; artificial turf installed
2015$120M renovation: 2,600-seat Club/Terrace section, new video boards, capacity to 61,000
2017Kroger naming rights announced ($1.85M/year for 12 years)
2023Enhanced LED lighting and sound system upgrades

Notable Moments

Oct 13, 2007Kentucky upset #1 LSU 43-37 in triple OT—fans stormed field and tore down goalposts
Nov 30, 2019Defeated Louisville 45-13 in Governor's Cup; largest margin of victory since 1985
Oct 7, 2023First Saturday night SEC game under enhanced lights vs Georgia

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections 201-211 offer club seating with chairbacks and premium amenities. Lower bowl sections 1-13 and 28-40 provide midfield views. The Terrace level (sections 212-227) has great sightlines. Student section is in the south end zone.

Parking Tips

Blue Lot is the main tailgating area (requires pass). General parking at E.S. Good Barn lots and Red/Green/White zones. Free parking at Kroger Field Park-and-Ride with shuttle. Arrive 3+ hours early—Alumni Drive gets congested.

Game Day

Cat Walk starts 2 hours before kickoff at Gate 1—watch players enter through fans. "My Old Kentucky Home" is sung before kickoff. Fireworks after touchdowns light up the Lexington sky. Clear bag policy enforced. Visit the Kentucky Proud Tailgate Zone for local food vendors.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

KSBar & Grille

$$

Sports bar co-owned by UK legends with wall-to-wall TVs.

📍 1.5 miles501 Redding Rd

💡 Arrive early for burgers and a front-row seat to pregame shows.

The Cellar Bar & Grill

$$

Classic Lexington hangout with a big beer list and hearty food.

📍 1.8 miles3256 Lansdowne Dr

💡 Known for its bourbon selection and friendly crowd.

West Sixth Brewing

$$

Craft brewery in the bread box building with a great gameday vibe.

📍 2.5 miles501 W 6th St

💡 Grab a flight and some seafood from Smithtown next door.

🍽️Restaurants

Tolly-Ho

$

Late-night Lexington staple for burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

📍 2.7 miles606 S Broadway

💡 Perfect for quick postgame comfort food.

Blue Door Smokehouse

$$

Local barbecue favorite with smoked meats and homemade sides.

📍 2.2 miles3070 Lakecrest Cir

💡 Sell-outs happen—go earlier in the day.

🏨Hotels

The Campbell House Lexington

$$$

Southern-style hotel with equestrian flair and onsite bourbon bar.

📍 2.2 miles1375 S Broadway

💡 Book early for football weekends in Lexington.

🎭Attractions

Kentucky Horse Park

$$

Equestrian park and museum celebrating Kentucky’s horse culture.

📍 9 miles4089 Iron Works Pkwy

💡 Plan extra time—this attraction is a short drive from campus.

University of Kentucky Art Museum

$

The region's premier art museum with over 5,000 objects.

📍 1.5 miles405 Rose St

💡 Check out the permanent collection of European and American art.

🅿️Parking Options

🎉

Blue Lot

$20-40
Tailgate📍 0.3 miles

💡 Main tailgating lot with lively pregame atmosphere.

🅿️

Red Lot

$20-30
Lot📍 0.5 miles

💡 Easy walk to the stadium with faster postgame exits.

Suggest a Tip

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.