Kentucky Wildcats Coach Mark Pope’s Generous Gesture: A Gas Money Promise for Fans
In the world of college basketball, where passion and loyalty run deep, the Kentucky Wildcats have always been a team that commands a fervent following. This year, as the Wildcats gear up for their first-round men’s NCAA tournament game against the Troy Trojans, some fans are getting a little extra help to make the journey to Milwaukee. And it’s all thanks to the Wildcats’ head coach, Mark Pope.
Earlier this week, Pope made headlines with a bold and generous offer. He issued a rallying cry to the Kentucky fan base, urging them to make the trip to Milwaukee to support the team. But he didn’t stop there. In a move that has endeared him even more to the Wildcats faithful, Pope offered to help fans with their travel expenses.
“I’m going to say something I’m going to regret, but it’s only a seven-hour drive,” Pope said on his radio show Monday. “If anybody’s having trouble with gas money, hit me up.”
True to his word, Pope is now following through on his promise. As the Wildcats prepare for their game on Friday, emails have surfaced confirming that fans reached out to Pope’s staff, and the coach is indeed covering gas money for the trip.
Mark Pope is staying true to his word and is now covering the costs of gas money for University of Kentucky students to attend the Troy vs. Kentucky NCAA Tournament game in Milwaukee! 🏀
This is just one of the many reasons why so many people love Pope and Kentucky! #BBN pic.twitter.com/QvdUMVwyR8
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) March 19, 2025
A university representative confirmed to ESPN that Pope’s staff had contacted a select number of fans, and indeed will be compensating them for their gas fees. This act of generosity is just another example of why Pope is so beloved by the Kentucky community.
In his pregame media availability, Pope was asked about the potential cost of his promise. While he was vague about the final bill, he did hint that it might be more than when he bought ice cream for all Wildcats fans who stayed after Kentucky’s November win over the Georgia State Panthers.
“I’m on purpose not keeping count,” Pope said of the gas requests Thursday. “Because I want to reduce my stress level before tournament play. But, yeah, that was not the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”
For those wondering if they can still take advantage of Pope’s offer, Kentucky’s representative has clarified that the offer of Milwaukee gas money aid is no longer open. It seems that the window for this unique opportunity has closed, but the impact of Pope’s gesture will likely be felt for some time.
- Mark Pope’s offer was a rallying cry to fans.
- Emails confirmed fans reached out for gas money.
- Pope’s generosity is a testament to his character.
- The offer is no longer available, but its impact remains.
In the world of college sports, where coaches often become larger-than-life figures, Mark Pope’s actions remind us of the power of community and the lengths to which some will go to support their team. As the Wildcats take the court against Troy, they do so with the knowledge that their coach has their back—and the backs of their fans.
Originally Written by: J.J. Post
