After a one year break, the Kentucky-Louisville basketball series is making a return in the 2022-23 season as John Calipari will host former staffer Kenny Payne and the Cardinals to Rupp Arena. Similar to some meetings in the past, this year’s game will take place on New Year’s Eve to get a long day of festivities started.
Playing a game on this day for Kentucky hoops is not a strange occurrence. Under Calipari, Kentucky has played on New Year’s Eve four times and the Wildcats own a perfect 4-0 record in these matchups.
- 2010-11: Beat Louisville 78-63 (Noon, CBS)
- 2011-12: Beat Louisville 69-62 (Noon, CBS)
- 2017-18: Beat Georgia 66-61 (6:00, ESPN)
- 2021-22: Beat High Point 92-48 (Noon, SEC Network
However, Mark Stoops has built a legitimate top-25 football program in Lexington, and the Kentucky football team is often quite busy around those New Year’s dates.