Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope fulfills promise to fund fan travel to NCAA tournament game
In a heartwarming gesture, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope made good on his recent vow to help fund fan travel to the Wildcats’ first round game in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. Despite initial hesitation, Pope’s commitment to the team and fans prevailed.
Kentucky is set to face off against Troy in Milwaukee in the first round on Friday. During a recent episode of his call-in radio show, Pope volunteered to cover fuel costs for Kentucky fans who were willing to drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Wisconsin. This offer was met with enthusiasm and gratitude from the Big Blue Nation (BBN).
Support for the fans
Pope, known for his passionate support of the team and its fans, expressed his dedication to making the tournament experience accessible for everyone. “It’s only a 7-hour drive, so if you’re having trouble with gas money, hit me up. Let’s get all of (Big Blue Nation) BBN out there,” Pope said on Monday. However, he also admitted to some apprehension about the overwhelming response he might receive. Pope shared a message from a Kentucky student named Jack who requested money for gas, and potentially a ticket to the game.
A personal touch
Pope’s commitment to his fans was evident in his response to Jack’s request. “It just went from gas money to a ticket!” Pope exclaimed. He assured Jack that he would do his best to help him out, expressing his love for being part of the BBN family. Screenshots of an email exchange between Pope’s executive assistant and Jack circulated on social media, showing the process of arranging the financial assistance.
Support with certain parameters
The email exchange revealed that there were some parameters set for those seeking financial assistance. The traveling party was required to provide proof of game tickets and confirm that there were no high school-aged individuals in the group. These measures were likely put in place to ensure that the assistance was provided to genuine Kentucky fans and not exploited.
A gift as an additional gesture
In addition to covering gas expenses, Pope’s team also offered a $100 Visa gift card to Jack. The gift card was made available for Jack to pick up at the team’s office, further demonstrating Pope’s commitment to going above and beyond to support the BBN community.
A successful first season
Pope’s dedication to the team and fans is reflected in his coaching performance. In his first year as head coach, he led Kentucky to an impressive 22-11 regular season record. His commitment to the well-being and experience of the BBN is a testament to his leadership and passion for the sport.
As the Wildcats gear up for their first round game, Pope’s gesture serves as a reminder of the strong bond between the team and its fans. The BBN can rest assured that their coach is not only focused on their success on the court but also on creating an inclusive and supportive community off the court.
