2009 College Football Trips - Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky

College football kicks off in a few weeks and the Kentucky Wildcats have three great home games from September 19 to October 2 (Louisville, Florida and Alabama). The Wildcats are looking to win an unprecedented fourth straight bowl game and a win (or three) during the home stretch would go a long way toward cementing a bowl berth.

Every game will likely sell out as loyal supporters from those schools will help pack the stadium. If you're a fan of any of these programs you may be wondering what to do before or after the game. This article gives some of my personal recommendations for eating and entertainment as well as parking suggestions.

Parking

The stadium is open for parking four hours before game time and costs 10 dollars per vehicle (1) . However, many of UK's season-ticket holders have purchased parking passes, so the spots are at a premium. Make sure you get there early - otherwise, prepare to walk. Those of you who wish to take your RV with you should keep this in mind if you like to tailgate (and what self-respecting football fan doesn't?).

Restaurants

One of my personal favorites (if you have the money) is Malone's. It is regularly recognized as one of the top steakhouses in the country and features an excellent selection of seafood as well as their Chicago-style beef. I recommend the New York strip and the baked potato with sour cream and butter. The service has never been short of excellent. Malone's has three locations in Lexington but be prepared to wait on Saturday night if you don't have reservations. Entree prices range from twenty to fifty dollars (their Kobe beef is on the higher end of pricing) (2)

Another of my favorites for Southern-style comfort food is Ramsey's. I've had everything from the barbeque chicken sandwich to the meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The prices are a bit easier on the wallet than Malone's for the budget-conscious and they have four locations in Lexington. The service is also excellent here as well. (3)

Hotels

The 2010 World Equestrian Games are coming to Lexington next September and the city is undergoing renovations to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors. One of the hotels that has undergone a facelift is the Lexington Downtown Hotel. It has several great amenities from a spa, restaurant and indoor pool as well as reasonable rates for sports fans that include one night of free parking. (4)

Nightlife

For those of you that like campus bars try Two Keys and Pazzo's. There is also a great downtown music club called The Dame that has hosted several name acts throughout the years. (5) McCarthy's is an Irish pub that is within walking distance of the Lexington Downtown Hotel.

I hope this helps our opposing fans if they decide to make the trek to Lexington. Consider this the only assistance you will receive from me.

Sources

1 - University of Kentucky.
2 - Malone's Restaurant
3 - Ramsey's Diner.
4 - Lexington Downtown Hotel
5 - The Dame.