Kentucky names its stadium after Kroger, which is at best the world’s 2nd-best grocer

Shoulda just held out for Publix.

Thankfully, college football programs continue to partner with our wonderful brands to continue corporate partnerships. The University of Kentucky announced a naming partnership with the grocery store chain Kroger to rename its football stadium. This newest pact will infuse funds into capital projects like improved facilities instead of increasing player compensation. The agreement will pay the school $1.85 million annually for 12 years.

This is another attempt by UK to push for new branding identity across their athletic program. Never forget the alternate Wildcat logo that Nike included in a revamp of the Cats’ visual identity.

The name changes from its original moniker, Commonwealth Stadium, a unique name that was tied to the state’s roots politically. As a Floridian, I wish Kentucky would have waited until a superior grocery store, Publix, could enter the state as it plans. This would help our bluegrass brothers and sisters experience the true impact of an extremely good neighborhood grocer. For reference, an example of one thing (perhaps the thing) that makes Publix better than Kroger:

Wildcats fans on a whole aren’t super thrilled with the name either.

If Kentucky really wanted to be true to its roots, the Wildcats would have partnered with a bourbon company, although there’s no way the NCAA would let that fly. For Kentucky, at least it’s better than the cringeworthy KFC Yum! Center rival Louisville plays in.