Although Kentucky -head coach Mark Pope seemed to immediately regret his recent promise to help fund Fan Travel for Wildcats’ first round of the NCAA Division in the Basketball Tournament, he still did well with the promise.
Kentucky is scheduled to play Troy in Milwaukee in the first round on Friday. During a recent edition of his call-in radio show, Pope volunteered to help cover the fuel costs for Kentucky fans who were willing to drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Wisconsin.
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Mar 20 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, USA; Kentucky Wildcat’s main coach Mark Pope looks at during the NCAA tournament first round practice at the Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-Preferred Pictures)
“It’s just a 7-hour drive, so if you have problems with gas money, you have to look me up. Let’s get everyone (Big Blue Nation) BBN out there,” Pope said Monday. “I don’t want to tell you how I can look up because I am nervous about how many people are about to punch me up. I had this ridiculous view one night after a game to buy everyone who was left in the arenais. It cost me a little more than I expected, but it’s all in the family, baby. It’s family. Let’s go.”
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Pope later shared a message from a Kentucky student named Jack who requested money for gas, and possibly a ticket to the game. The student said he traveled to Florida for Spring Break, but promised he would be able to arrive in Milwaukee in time for tip off.
Mar 20 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, USA; Kentucky Wildcat’s main coach Mark Pope speaks during an NCAA tournament first round practice press conference on the Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-Preferred Pictures)
“It just went from gas money to a ticket!” Pope replied. “Listen, Jack, here’s the deal. I want to try to beat you back, man. I do my best, okay? I love it. Bbn, man, it’s the biggest blessing in the world to be able to be part of BBN. There’s nowhere like that. I love it.”
Screenshots later appeared on social media and showed an E email exchange between Pope’s Executive Assistant and the student.
The e-mail contained some parameters, including verification that the travel party did not include any personal age in high school. The message also asked for Venmo information.
“Hi Jack! Coach Pope would very much like to take care of your gas money! For this to happen, we need you to send us proof that you have tickets for the game! At that time we can send you the fixed gas money,” the e email reads. “Please check that there is no one in your party that is within the recruitable age (9-12 class).”
Kentucky’s main coach Mark Pope addresses the audience before the NCAA tournament selection exhibition at Rupp Arena on Sunday night. March 16, 2025. (Scott Utterback / Courier Journal / USA Today Network via Imag images)
Another E -mail offered the student a gift card.
“We want a visa gift card of $ 100 here in our office that you can pick up. Let me know what day and time you will be able to get it,” read follow-up e-mail.
Pope Coachede Kentucky to a 22-11 regular seasonal record during his first year at the helm.
