Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in blue — when it comes to sports, Lexington has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans and flamable couches in the country.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Lexington sports, so whether you’re already a devoted Lexington sports fan or you’re new to the area, we hope it can serve as a valuable resource.
UK basketball (NCAA) | Est. 1902
A sea of blue. Big Blue Nation. There’s a reason they say we bleed blue, and our beloved basketball team is a big part of it. The support for the Wildcats stretches far beyond our city, state, and even US borders. We do have a thing for visiting the Bahamas, right? After 15 years under John Calipari’s leadership, new Head Coach (and Wildcat alum) Mark Pope is continuing UK basketball’s proud tradition.
Where they play: Rupp Arena
- Named after Hall of Fame coach Adolph Rupp
Mascot: Wildcat and Scratch
- The Wildcat was created during the 1976-77 season
- Scratch, who joined later, is considered a more child-friendly mascot + is the host of Junior Wildcat Club.
Team colors: Blue and white
Major accomplishments:
- UK is the all-time No. 1 team for the past 75 years of the AP Top 25 poll
- The Wildcats are first in all-time wins in the NCAA men’s basketball
- Kentucky was the first school to reach 1,000 wins in 1968 + 2,000 wins in 2009
- Leads the NCAA in tournament appearances with 60 trips to March Madness play
- Tied for first at 12 visits (with UNC and UCLA) for the number of appearances in NCAA Championship games.
Dig into the team’s current season.
UK football (NCAA) | Est. 1881
The success of the program over the past five years has had some Lexingtonians saying Kentucky is a football school. The 2022 season saw four Wildcats invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, including a second-round draft pick in Will Levis. The 2023 season also saw some players moving on with two third-round picks, as well as a fourth- + sixth-round pick.
Where they play: Kroger Field
- Formerly known as Commonwealth Stadium
- See the parking guide
Mascot: Wildcat and Scratch
- The Wildcat was created in the 1976-77 season
- Scratch, who joined later, is considered a more child-friendly mascot + is the host of the Junior Wildcat Club
Team colors: Blue and white
Major accomplishments:
- Has played in 23 bowl games
- Current Head Coach Mark Stoops holds the new school record for Wildcat victories under one coach — 63 wins.
- Since 2013, 29 players have continued their careers in the NFL
Take a look back at the team’s 2024 season.
Lexington Legends (ALPB) | Est. 2001
Central Kentucky’s baseball team has had quite the history in the past few years. The team was purchased by Nathan and Kerri Lyons in 2022, briefly changing the name to become the Lexington Counter Clocks. The then-owners also completely revamped + upgraded stadium. Fast forward to February of 2024 when it was announced the team was purchased by Temerity Baseball and reverted back to its original colors and name, The Legends.
Where they play: Legends Field
- Introduced on-field seating + a new lounge space this season, as well as updated the food and beverage options
- The improved kids’ area has a new playground and a two-lane, 20-ft slide
Mascot: Mighty Lex
- The man formerly known as Big L has a fresh look and new name, but one thing remains the same — the ‘stache.
Team colors: Blue and green
Major accomplishments:
- League champions in 2001, 2018, 2019, and 2021
Sneak a peek at the team’s season.
Lexington Sporting Club (USL Championship) | Est. 2022
It was announced in the fall of 2021 that Lexington would be receiving its first pro soccer team. After countless community engagement sessions, the Lexington Sporting Club was born. In its first two seasons they played in the USL League One, and will begin playing in the newly created USL Championship.
Where they play: Lexington Sporting Club Stadium
- Their new $80 million dollar venue features seven practice fields, an endline club, VIP seating + parking, and variety of concessions vendors.
Mascot: TBD
Team colors: Green and black
Major accomplishments:
- The team played its inaugural season in 2023.
See the team’s schedules + news.
Lexington Sporting Club (USL Super League) | Est. 2024
Lexington Sporting Club will be a part of a new Division One professional women’s soccer league, USL Super League. The league will begin play this fall with eight teams, and play a fall-to-summer” season traditionally played around the world.
Where they play: Lexington Sporting Club Stadium
- Their new complex opened in September 2024 and boasts a maximum capacity of 11,000 fans
Mascot: TBD
Team colors: Green and black
Major accomplishments:
- We can’t wait to cheer them on when they kick off league play in August.
See the team’s schedule.
Budget or not, there’s plenty of ways to have fun at Keeneland. | Photo by @jim.t.photography
Keeneland | Est. 1936
While this historic racetrack isn’t technically a team, we couldn’t talk about sports without sharing one of Lexington’s claims to fame. We are the Horse Capital of the World after all. Keeneland serves as a catalyst — for both the sale of and racing careers — of a lot of horses, like Alysheba, Holy Bull, and Tim Tam.
Where they play: Keeneland Racing happens every October + April
Mascot: Buckles
- You can often find them out + about mingling at all of the Kids Club events.
Team colors: Hunter green + gold
Major accomplishments:
- Hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015, 2020, and 2022.
Sneak a peek at the upcoming season.
