Mark Pope Delivers on Promise to Help Kentucky Fans Travel to NCAA Tournament
Mark Pope, the newly appointed head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, has demonstrated his commitment to the program’s passionate fanbase by fulfilling a pledge to assist with travel expenses for the team’s first-round NCAA Tournament game against Troy in Milwaukee. Despite an apparent initial hesitation stemming from the potential financial burden, Pope followed through on his offer, solidifying his connection with the Big Blue Nation.
The surprising promise originated during a recent episode of Pope’s call-in radio show. Amidst discussions about the upcoming tournament and the team’s prospects, Pope spontaneously offered to help offset fuel costs for Kentucky fans planning to make the approximately seven-hour drive from Lexington to Milwaukee.
"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 declared on the air. He immediately expressed a hint of apprehension, adding, "I’m not gonna tell you how to hit me up, because I’m nervous about how many people are about to hit me up."
Pope alluded to a previous experience where he underestimated the cost of a seemingly small gesture, recalling a moment after a game when he decided to buy ice cream for everyone still in the arena. "I had this ridiculous notion one night after a game to buy everybody that was left in the arena ice cream. It cost me a little bit more than I anticipated, but it’s all in the family, baby. It’s family. Let’s go."
The radio show segment quickly gained traction on social media, with fans praising Pope’s enthusiasm and willingness to connect with the BBN. However, the question remained: would the coach actually follow through on his offer, and if so, how would he manage the logistics of providing financial assistance to potentially hundreds or even thousands of fans?
The answer came in the form of a humorous exchange with a Kentucky student named Jack. Pope shared Jack’s request for assistance, which went beyond gas money and extended to a plea for a ticket to the game. "It just went from gas money to a ticket!" Pope quipped.
Despite the expanded request, Pope maintained his positive attitude and reaffirmed his commitment to helping fans attend the game. "Listen, Jack, here’s the deal. I’m gonna try and hit you back, man. I’m doing my best, okay? I love it. BBN, man, it is the greatest blessing in the world to be able to be a part of BBN. There’s nowhere like it. I love it."
Screenshots subsequently surfaced on social media, revealing the behind-the-scenes process of Pope’s efforts to fulfill his promise. The screenshots depicted an email exchange between Pope’s executive assistant and Jack, outlining specific parameters for receiving financial assistance.
The email requested proof of purchase for game tickets, ensuring that the funds were indeed being used to support fans attending the game. Additionally, the email included a verification requirement, confirming that no members of the traveling party were of high school age, presumably to avoid any potential NCAA recruiting violations.
"Hi Jack! Coach Pope would love to take care of your gas money! For this to happen, we would need you to send us proof that you have tickets to the game! At that point, we can send you the flat rate gas money," the email stated. "Please verify that there is no one in your party that is within the recruitable age (9th-12th grade)."
In a follow-up email, Pope’s assistant offered Jack a $100 Visa gift card to cover the gas expenses. "We will have a $100 Visa gift card here at our office for you to pick up. Let me know what day and time you will be able to come get it," the email read.
The actions of Pope have been applauded by Kentucky fans, especially his quick grasp of the importance of Big Blue Nation. His willingness to put his words into actions shows the kind of coach he wishes to be for the university.
Pope’s willingness to assist fans with travel expenses, even after expressing initial reservations, underscores his dedication to the Kentucky basketball program and its loyal supporters. While the financial implications of his promise may have been initially daunting, Pope’s actions demonstrate a genuine desire to foster a strong connection with the BBN and create a memorable experience for fans traveling to support the team in the NCAA Tournament.
The Kentucky Wildcats, under the leadership of Mark Pope, will face Troy in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Milwaukee. The Wildcats finished the season with a 22-11 record. The team and its fanbase will be hoping for a deep run in the tournament.
