Fork over $5,000 for suite taligating
August 31, 2016
You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay in UK’s new tailgating suites overnight.
Luxurious new accommodations will open for the first time at Saturday’s UK football game against Southern Miss. Patrons can party in a 300-square-foot suite and enjoy three parking passes, food, soft drinks, a five-item menu, three indoor TVs with DirecTV, one outdoor TV, a half-bathroom, a kitchen with a microwave, running water and a warming drawer. The suites also come with an attendant.
They weren’t necessarily designed with college students in mind.
To rent one for a season, patrons have to shell out $30,000 for seven home games, although that saves $5,000 over paying for just one game.
Sounds like real money, right?
It is, but not as much if fans go in together. Split among 30 people (the maximum number the suite can accommodate), $5,000 equals $166 each.
Let’s put that in perspective: $166 could buy two Spanish 201 textbooks, 16 Qdoba burrito bowls or pay for 7 campus parking meter violations.
The suites are part of the 1865 Club, modeled after similar clubs at other universities that denote when the schools were established. UK was established in 1865.
“The 1865 Club suites add something to Kentucky football game day that we’ve never had before,” said Guy Ramsey, UK Athletics spokesman. “We are a tailgating school, so we loved the idea of creating a premium experience for fans to enjoy outside Commonwealth Stadium.”
All but one suite is sold for Saturday’s game. Fans can call 859-257-1757 to rent the last one, Ramsey said.
The fancy suites promise lots of fun. But they do come with a few conditions.
Football tickets are not included, although they do come at a discount. Alcohol is not provided, but patrons can bring it in.
And, comfy couches and warming drawers notwithstanding, patrons cannot stay overnight.
On Saturday, the suites close at midnight.
