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Kentucky fans give electric welcome to new coach Mark Pope in Rupp Arena ceremony
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Kentucky gave a hero’s welcome to new head coach Mark Pope on Sunday afternoon.
Pope was officially introduced as the Wildcats’ next head coach in a ceremony at Rupp Arena. While this hire was initially controversial, Big Blue Nation showed up in droves to support their new head coach.
Here’s video of the scene inside Rupp Arena, which appeared to be sold out — or close to it — for this event:
The scene inside Rupp Arena … pic.twitter.com/i1Aw3boFBS
— Ben Roberts (@BenRobertsHL) April 14, 2024
Pope is a former Wildcat himself who played for UK in the mid-1990’s. He was a member of Kentucky’s 1996 national championship team — a squad that knocked off John Calipari and UMass in the Final Four.
Pope made a grand entrance to the event along with several other members of the 1996 national title-winning team:
Possibly the most badass entrance ever into Rupp Arena.
The 1996 Kentucky championship team walks out of the bus, with new coach Mark Pope hoisting the trophy.
Welcome home Coach! pic.twitter.com/uKgxDkHqlm
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) April 14, 2024
That wasn’t the only prop used in this ceremony from the 1996 season. Instead of receiving a ceremonial jersey at his introduction, Pope requested to use a game-worn jersey — one that shows his “blood, sweat, tears and love.”
Here’s video of Pope showing off the jersey to fans in attendance:
Mark Pope didn’t want the ceremonial jersey. He called for his game-worn jersey. “It’s the jersey that has blood, sweat, tears and love.” pic.twitter.com/0yzauQeuAp
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 14, 2024
Overall, it was an electric atmosphere as Kentucky prepares for its next era of basketball in Lexington.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
