By Joshua Huff

jhuff@kykernel.com

Standing on the UK football practice fields, the rise of the refaced Commonwealth Stadium can be seen through the summer haze shimmering on the Tim Couch Practice Fields. The players glance over at the visually dominant stadium through their tired eyes and envision taking to the field in front of thousands of fans for the first time.

A vision which, of course, doesn’t tread into the realm of losing; however, history dictates that winning in a new/renovated stadium isn’t a certainty.

In its 42-year history, the youngest SEC stadium has seen three massive upgrades, growing from a field on the north side of campus to a visually dominant concrete monolith off of Alumni Dr., and now to a beautiful, modern symbol of prominence.

After the $110 million renovation is complete, the 2015 UK football team will be the fourth team to trot out of the tunnel and onto the field of either a new or redesigned/upgraded Commonwealth Stadium.

Sept. 15, 1973: After the transition from the site of the first football game in the south, Stoll Field/McLean Stadium, UK took to the field of a brand-new Commonwealth Stadium and defeated a two-win Virginia Tech football team, 31-26.

Sept. 4, 1999: After UK closed the ends of the stadium and added 40 new suites, the Cats faced off against their in-state rivals, Louisville. The Cardinals entered the newly-renovated stadium and defeated UK, 56-28; ruining all hopes of a promising stadium opening and sending UK to a 6-6 record.

Sept. 10, 2011: Second-year coach Joker Phillips led UK onto the field of Commonwealth Stadium against Central Michigan after the stadium underwent a massive audio and video upgrade, which included the LED video boards. Though not a structural upgrade, the renovation completely changed the gameday experience at Commonwealth and ushered in a victorious opening day; UK defeated Central Michigan 27-13.

Sept. 5, 2015: TBD