Lexington, Ky. — As the University of Kentucky Wildcats prepare to host South Alabama at Kroger Field on Saturday afternoon, campus police are sounding a clear warning to fans: be vigilant when purchasing tickets. Scammers have increasingly posted counterfeit or nonexistent tickets online, and in some cases have taken payment without ever delivering a ticket.
What fans should know
The university’s police department says the rise in fraudulent offers is tied to the excitement surrounding the upcoming matchup, which is scheduled to kick off at 12:45 p.m. They advise anyone looking to attend the game to purchase tickets only through the official UK Athletics ticket portal or other recognized vendors such as Ticketmaster.
“We want our fans to enjoy the game without the stress of being scammed,” said a spokesperson for the UK Police Department. “If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
How the scams work
Typical schemes involve sellers posting tickets on social media marketplaces, classified‑ad sites, or third‑party resale platforms at prices well below face value. After the buyer sends payment—often via cash‑app services or wire transfer—the seller disappears, leaving the purchaser without a ticket and out of pocket.
In other instances, scammers provide a PDF copy of a ticket that looks legitimate but is not linked to the university’s ticketing system. When the holder attempts to scan the ticket at the gate, it is rejected, and the fan is turned away.
Steps to protect yourself
- Buy only from the official UK Athletics website or authorized partners.
- Verify the seller’s credentials if you are using a resale platform; look for verified badges and read recent reviews.
- Avoid cash‑app or wire‑transfer payments; use credit cards that offer fraud protection.
- Check the ticket’s barcode by contacting UK ticketing staff before the game.
- Report suspicious listings to UK Police by calling the campus safety line or emailing [email protected].
Why the warning matters
Ticket fraud not only hurts individual fans but also undermines the community spirit that makes Wildcat games a family‑friendly tradition. The university relies on ticket revenue to fund athletic scholarships, facility upgrades, and community outreach programs. Protecting that revenue stream helps keep the Wildcats competitive and preserves the vibrant game‑day experience for families across Kentucky.
University officials stress that the warning is not a reflection on the legitimacy of any particular resale site, but rather a reminder that scammers exploit high‑profile events. By staying informed and using official channels, fans can enjoy a safe, hassle‑free experience at Kroger Field.
Game day details
The Wildcats will face South Alabama in a non‑conference showdown that promises an exciting display of Kentucky football talent. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, follow campus safety guidelines, and wear masks if they feel more comfortable, though no mask mandate is currently in place.
For the latest updates on ticket availability, game‑day parking, and any additional safety notices, visit the University of Kentucky Athletics website or follow the official UK Athletics social‑media accounts.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
