UK offers ticket refunds for canceled spring sports. Barnhart suggests ‘donation.’

University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart, in a letter to the Big Blue Nation on Wednesday, announced plans for ticket refunds for fans who had already made purchases for events canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Southeastern Conference on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the full spring sports season, including baseball, softball and track and field.

“We’re almost a week into life with no games and it’s not getting any easier,” Barnhart said. “Every day brings a new reminder of what we’re missing, but right now is a time to focus on something much bigger: the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and the world at large.”

Barnhart’s message said UK would offer refunds to the official purchaser of record for all tickets to games affected by the cancellations. He said more information would be communicated directly to baseball and softball season ticket holders.

“If you are interested in forgoing your refund for baseball and softball season tickets and making that a donation to our program, we would sincerely appreciate it,” Barnhart’s message said.

The UK athletics director recommended fans with questions contact the UK Ticket Office at 800-928-2287 (option 4) or uktickets@uky.edu. Additional information is available at UKathletics.com.

“We will continue to work with our partners at the NCAA, the SEC and on campus to evaluate and respond to an ever-evolving situation. …

“Games, meets, matches and tournaments will return. When they do, we will be ready to compete and ready to welcome the Big Blue Nation.”

This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 6:56 PM.