Kentucky head coach Mark Pope seemed to instantly regret his recent vows to fund a fan trip to the Wildcats' first round game at the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, but he still does his promise well.
Kentucky is scheduled to play Troy for Milwaukee in the first round on Friday. In a recent edition of his call-in radio show, Pope volunteered to cover the fuel costs of Kentucky fans willing to drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Wisconsin.
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March 20th, 2025. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope keeps his eye on during his first round practice of the NCAA tournament at the Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-imagn image)
“It's just a seven-hour drive, so if you have problems with gas money, hit me. Let's get all the (Big Brunation) BBN out there,” the Pope said Monday. “They won't tell me how to hit me because I'm nervous about how many people are trying to hit me. After a game of buying everyone left in the arena ice cream, there was this ridiculous concept. It cost more than I expected, but it's family.
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Pope later shared a message from a Kentucky student named Jack, who asked for money for the gas, and perhaps a ticket to the game. The student said he traveled to Florida for spring break, but he promised he could arrive in Milwaukee in time for tip-offs.
March 20th, 2025. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope will speak at the first round of the NCAA Tournament practice press conference at the Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-imagn image)
“It just went to tickets from gas money!” replied the Pope. “Listen, Jack, make a deal here. I'm going to come back to you, man. I'll do my best, are you okay? I love it.
The screenshot later surfaced on social media, showing an email exchange between the Pope's executive assistant and the student.
The email included several parameters, including a verification that the travel party did not include individual high school students. The message also sought information from Venmo.
“Hello Jack! Pope Coach wants to take care of your gas money! For this to happen, you need to prove that you have a ticket to the game! At that point you can send a fixed gas.” “Make sure your party doesn't have anyone within the age of employment (grades 9-12).”
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope will address the crowds Sunday night before the NCAA Tournament Choice Show inside the Lap Arena. March 16, 2025. (Scott Utterback / Courier Journal / USA Today Network Imagn Images)
Another email provided a gift card to the students.
“We'll deliver you a $100 visa gift card in our office. Please tell us the day and time you can get it,” a follow-up email read.
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The Pope coached Kentucky towards a 22-11 regular season record while at the helm of his first year.
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