Police attempt to control fires, use pepper spray on State Street
April 1, 2012
Madness is the only way to describe the celebration on State Street after UK’s win over the University of Louisville.
The street was flooded with fans, decked out in blue and white, who screamed and cheered that the Cats will go all the way.
State was blocked off by police by 4:30 p.m., as people wandered from house to house.
A few Cards fans braved the crowds, but were constantly booed by UK supporters.
State Street could have been confused with Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but more extreme — all hell broke loose as soon as the buzzer sounded.
But the partying didn’t start at the end of the game. Fans started tailgating at 10 a.m., playing beer pong and grilling out.
Bed-sheet banners were just as common as TVs placed on decks of houses. Fans wore UK tattoos on their faces, and a painted-on unibrow wasn’t uncommon to see.
During half time, police officers walked in groups up and down the street, some carrying paintball guns filled with pepper spray balls. As they passed, fans cheered “C-O-P-S” instead of “CATS.”
