Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Delivers on Promise to Cover Fans’ Gas Money for NCAA Tournament Trip

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has proven his loyalty to Big Blue Nation (BBN) by making good on a bold promise to help cover fans’ fuel costs for their trip to the Wildcats’ NCAA tournament game.

Kentucky is set to face Troy in Milwaukee on Friday during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. In a recent radio call-in show, Pope pledged to assist fans traveling from Lexington to Wisconsin—a seven-hour drive—by pitching in for gas costs.

"It’s only a seven-hour drive, so if you’re having trouble with gas money, hit me up. Let’s get all of BBN out there," Pope declared. However, he quickly acknowledged the potential chaos his offer might unleash. "I’m not gonna tell you how to hit me up, because I’m nervous about how many people are about to hit me up," he admitted, referencing a previous costly decision to buy ice cream for the remaining fans in an arena after a game. "It’s all in the family, baby. Let’s go."

True to his word, Pope followed through when a Kentucky student named Jack reached out for gas money—and even cheekily asked for a game ticket. Jack explained that he was returning from spring break in Florida and promised to arrive in Milwaukee in time for tip-off.

Pope’s response was as spirited as his coaching style: "It just went from gas money to a ticket! Listen, Jack, here’s the deal. I’m gonna try and hit you back, man. I’m doing my best, okay? I love it. BBN, man, it is the greatest blessing in the world to be part of BBN. There’s nowhere like it."

Social media later lit up with screenshots of email exchanges between Pope’s executive assistant and Jack, outlining the logistics. The emails requested proof of game tickets, verification that no high school-aged individuals were in the traveling party, and Venmo details. One message offered Jack a $100 Visa gift card to cover gas expenses.

"Hi Jack! Coach Pope would love to take care of your gas money! For this to happen, we would need you to send us proof that you have tickets to the game! At that point, we can send you the flat rate gas money," the email read. Another follow-up email promised the gift card, ready for pickup.

Pope, who has led Kentucky to a strong 22-11 record in his debut season as head coach, continues to cement his reputation not only as a tactician on the court but also as a man fiercely devoted to his fanbase.