ESPN returns to Rupp Arena for 15th Kentucky GameDay

A crowd of Kentucky fans showed up to Rupp Arena for ESPN’s first “College GameDay” program of the season on Saturday morning.

Doors opened at 9 a.m. for the Big Blue fans to fill half of the lower ring of Rupp, holding signs in support of recruiting prospect Zion Williamson and making fun of the Wildcats’ upcoming opponent, Florida.

GameDay commentators Rece Davis, Jay Williams, Jay Bilas and Seth Greenberg chatted with Coach John Calipari about the youth of the current Kentucky team and the hot-button topic of pay-to-play in college basketball. Calipari ended the segment with a half-court shot attempt after Davis challenged him to re-enact his recent feat.

While UK fans were still anticipating the outcome of the matchup between No. 18 Kentucky and the Florida Gators, ESPN announced that GameDay would follow the Wildcats to Morgantown, W.Va., for their game next weekend.

Saturday’s game against the Gators tips off at 8:15 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.

This story was originally published January 20, 2018 at 1:36 PM with the headline "ESPN returns to Rupp Arena for 15th Kentucky GameDay."