A Red and Blue War

UK and Louisville fans are already at each other’s necks.

by Dave Spahn / @davespahn

The residents in the state of Kentucky are broken down in two groups. The citizens draw a firm line in the state and treat their respective groups like family. You either bleed for big blue Kentucky nation or you ride and die with the Louisville Cardinals. Standing on the fence about the two teams does not exist.

UK-Louisville games constantly result in fights in the stands and heated brawls between fans before the games. Out here in New Orleans, fans already are having heavy shouting matches against each other on both sides. The SLAM team witnessed a small-scale brawl at 10 a.m. between groups of Louisville and Kentucky fans. Mind you, this was at 10 a.m. the day before the game.

A few Kentucky fans were wearing shirts that said, “Louisville doesn’t exist.” When approached about the shirts, they said, “Louisville? Never heard of it. We don’t associate ourselves with crap.” A group of Louisville fans walked around with fake connected eyebrows, mocking Kentucky freshmen Anthony Davis.

Advice to everyone in New Orleans this weekend: Carry a video camera around wherever you go, because events like a UK-Louisville Final Four does not happen too often. Witness the hatred. Witness the violence. Witness an incredible rivalry on the biggest stage of college hoops, and be happy that you get to soak in one of the most memorable atmospheres in Final Four history.