Mark Pope Offers to Pay Kentucky Fans’ Gas Money for 2025 NCAA Tournament
Lexington, KY – Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope is going the extra mile—literally—to ensure his team has strong fan support in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. In a unique and generous move, Pope has offered to pay for gas money for Kentucky fans willing to drive to Milwaukee, where the Wildcats will play their first-round matchup against the 14th-seeded Troy Trojans.
Pope made the announcement during his radio show on March 17, telling fans, “It’s only a seven-hour drive. If anyone needs gas money, hit me up.” The Wildcats are set to take the court at Fiserv Forum on March 21 at 7:10 PM ET, with hopes of making a deep tournament run in Pope’s first year as head coach.
Fan Support Is Key for the Wildcats
The offer has quickly gained traction among the passionate Big Blue Nation, with many fans reaching out to take Pope up on his offer. One fan even emailed the show asking for help with a drive from Florida, prompting Pope to joke, “I might have bitten off more than I can chew.”
To further support the initiative, Paul Miller Ford, a Lexington-based car dealership, has partnered with Pope to offer $100 in gas money to the first 100 fans who present a ticket to Kentucky’s first-round game. Fans can claim this offer starting at 10 a.m. ET on March 19.
For Pope, the gesture is about more than just transportation costs—it’s about ensuring the Wildcats feel at home on the road. “Having our fans in Milwaukee makes a huge difference,” Pope emphasized. “Their energy fuels our team, and we want them there in full force.”
A New Era Under Pope
Mark Pope, who took over the program after John Calipari’s departure, has quickly endeared himself to Kentucky fans with his enthusiasm and commitment to the program. The former Wildcats player has focused on building a culture of excitement and unity, and his gas money offer is just the latest example of that approach.
Kentucky enters the tournament as a third seed, with high expectations to make a strong run. The Wildcats have had an impressive season, blending experienced leadership with young talent, and Pope’s high-energy coaching style has reinvigorated the team.
While some fans have joked that they’d need more than just gas money to make the trip, the reaction to Pope’s offer has been overwhelmingly positive. “This is why we love this guy,” one fan posted on social media. “He gets it. He knows how important the fans are, and he’s doing whatever he can to help.”
Looking Ahead
With the tournament just days away, Kentucky fans are gearing up for the journey to Milwaukee. Pope’s initiative is already making waves, ensuring that Big Blue Nation will have a strong presence in the stands.
As the Wildcats prepare to take on Troy in the first round, all eyes will be on how they perform in Pope’s NCAA Tournament debut as head coach. But one thing is already certain: the team won’t be lacking in fan support, thanks to Pope’s willingness to put his money where his mouth is.
