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March 21, 2025

The Big Blue Nation is heading to Milwaukee in full force, and they have head coach Mark Pope to thank for making the trip a little easier on their wallets. Keeping true to his word, Pope is now covering gas costs for fans making the journey to support Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament.

Ahead of the Wildcats’ trip to Milwaukee, Pope had previously teased that he’d help fans with travel expenses if they showed up in large numbers. With BBN known for taking over arenas across the country, it didn’t take long for fans to hold him to that promise. And now, he’s delivering.

BBN Hits the Road

Kentucky fans are famous for traveling well, often turning neutral-site games into home-court advantages. With the Wildcats set to play in Milwaukee, there was little doubt that the blue and white would flood the city. But with travel costs rising, some fans hesitated—until Pope stepped in.

Reports surfaced Wednesday that Pope is personally contributing to gas costs, ensuring that financial concerns won’t be a reason for fans to stay home. Fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement, with some even calling it one of the best gestures from a Kentucky coach in years.

Creating a Home-Court Atmosphere

For Kentucky, having a packed arena full of screaming Wildcats supporters could be the difference-maker in a deep tournament run. Milwaukee may be far from Lexington, but if enough BBN faithful make the trip, it could feel just like Rupp Arena.

This move further cements Pope’s bond with the fanbase in his first season at the helm. While his on-court results will ultimately define his tenure, gestures like this show his commitment to the program and its passionate supporters.

No More Excuses—Milwaukee Awaits

With Pope covering gas, Kentucky fans have one less excuse to stay home. Expect a sea of blue in Milwaukee as BBN looks to will the Wildcats to another victory—and if Pope’s bet pays off, he may have just started a new tradition.

So, if you’re a Kentucky fan still debating whether to go, gas money is no longer an issue. Milwaukee is calling, and Mark Pope has made sure there’s no excuse to miss the party.