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 in the country — they even like to burn couches when we win.
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.
Chris Livingston. | Photo by Chet White of UK Athletics
Chet White
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 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?
Where they play: Rupp Arena
- Named after Hall of Fame coach Adolph Rupp
- This season it will also be home to sports such as volleyball, women’s basketball + gymnastics as Memorial Coliseum undergoes renovations.
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 Junior Wildcat Club.
Team colors: Blue and white
Major accomplishments:
- UK has the highest all-time winning percentage (.765) in NCAA men’s basketball
- The Wildcats are second 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 59 trips to March Madness play
- Tied for first at 12 visits (with UNC and UCLA) for the number of appearances in NCAA Championship games.
Sneak peek at the team’s upcoming season.
It’s time to celebrate — football season is back. | Photo by Eddie Justice | UK Athletics
Eddie Justice | UK Athletics
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. This past season saw four Wildcats invited to the NFL Scouting Combine including a second-round draft pick in Will Levis.
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 Junior Wildcat Club
Team colors: Blue and white
Major accomplishments:
- Has played in 21 bowl games
- Current Head Coach Mark Stoops holds the new school record for Wildcat victories under one coach, 61 wins.
- Since 2013, 22 players have continued their careers in the NFL
Sneak peek at the team’s upcoming season.
Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die. | Photo courtesy of the Lexington Legends
Lexington Counter Clocks (ALPB) | Est. 2001
The team, formerly known as the Lexington Legends, was purchased by Nathan and Kerri Lyons in 2022. The couple has completely revamped the organization with a new name and upgraded stadium. The new team is wasting no time asserting their dominance on the field as the Counter Clocks.
Where they play: Counter Clocks Field
- Introduced on-field seating + a new lounge space this season as well as updated the food and beverage options.
- The new and improved kids’ area has a new playground and a two-lane, 20-ft slide.
Mascot: Dinger
- It will be making its debut sometime during the 2023 season.
Team colors: Red, white, and blue
Major accomplishments:
- League champions in 2001, 2018, 2019, and 2021
Go big green. | Photo courtesy of Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club (USL League One) | 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, Lexington Sporting Club was born.
Where they play: Toyota Stadium
- Also home of the Georgetown College football program
Mascot: TBD
Team colors: Green and black
Major accomplishments:
- The team played its first game on March 18, 2023.
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 our claims to fame. We are the horse capital of the world after all. Keeneland serves as a catalyst — both for the sale of and racing career — for 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 peek at the upcoming season.