Sights and Sounds from Mark Pope's SOLD OUT Press Conference

Kentucky basketball fans filled up Rupp Arena on Sunday to show support for new Kentucky mens basketball Head Coach Mark Pope. Watch the raw video as Steven Peake takes you behind the scenes of one of the most historic days in Kentucky basketball history.
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[@StonerCreek74]

THIS is the CROWD we need for home games instead of the zombies we have! These are the real Kentucky fans!!

[@timcox8159]

I was in the 9th row. One of the best experiences of my life!

[@nawnaw1749]

Must not experience much

[@McDoubleWithPickles]

@@nawnaw1749 You'll never get it bud.

[@nawnaw1749]

@@McDoubleWithPickles, cheering and excited for a mediocre head coach?

[@jeffcarter9719]

BYU fan here. You guys are insane. How awesome

[@shanebaker3768]

Thank you,we hope you guys get a good coach to replace coach Pope,we will be rooting for BYU as long as you aren’t playing Kentucky

[@SoGshaiprosper5417]

...in a good way😂

[@himynameisbrandonlee]

Pope is amazing. I hate you all had to let him go. But we are so happy he came home. He's said nothing but great things about BYU.

[@MGnKntkY]

I've watched the whole thing 4-5 times already and it still blows me away. I will be the first to admit that I was fuming mad over the hiring of Mark Pope. I was saying "fire Mitch" all over the internet. Not because I don't like Mark Pope, but because, like everyone else, I didn't think he has the resume we need. But after seeing this kind of energy from the BBN, there is one thing he has that I didn't know we needed, and that is the history with the program and knowledge of who this fan base is. No other coach in America could have rallied the fan base the way he did on Sunday. It actually made me a little emotional seeing that kind of energy and appreciation pour into one of our own that way. I don't know how this is going to turn out, and I am hoping for the best, but one thing I do know is that this new era is off to the best start one could ever have! Go Cats! And great behind the scenes footage once again. Still can't get enough of that press conference/ pep rally.

[@BS-dq1kz]

What you described is pretty much exactly how my stepdad and other relatives felt. My husband and I were excited from the start. I’m just happy so many got on board so quickly. He needs us to continue to support him. He’ll keep that passion and fire in his belly to win if we do!

[@cwb4280]

Exactly how I felt too. And a couple of my buddies at work felt the same. Friday we were pissed, Sunday we were so excited!! If he can recruit is the next step. Everything else will fall into place. Big Blue ain’t going anywhere. Go Cats!!!!

[@crugartuttle8714]

Give Mitch B credit - he made a big decision and was correct - called being THE BOSS

[@MGnKntkY]

@@crugartuttle8714 I give him credit for making the decision to make that press conference open to the public. But even he didn't know that that decision was going to be such a huge success. It is still unknown as to whether Mark Pope is going to be the right guy. Mitch could end up looking like a genius, or he could still end up looking like a clown if Mark isn't successful. This is definitely a very high risk hire. For now, I will just enjoy how united the fan base is right now and appreciate the positive energy.

[@SugeAvery-s8y]

U can say whatever this won't translate to what u want this is going to be horrible 4 us

[@Dizfan]

Definitely felt like a Cloud was lifted yesterday. The cloud of the last 4 years & the Cal era.

[@watchinglclowns9890]

I'm A Fan. Again, we are the KENTUCKY BASKETBALL program, not an NBA prep program...

[@kimab65]

EXACTLY

[@theMermaidRhonda]

100%!

[@GoCards1983]

NBA 1 and dones got yall a ship tho ....so u cant really complain....Rick with that talent would have 3 rings and his name on the arena

[@kyle4uk244]

@@GoCards1983I never thought I’d find myself agreeing with a UL fan, but you’re correct. Rick with that talent probably passes Wooden, but also have the off the floor drama that seems to always follow Rick too.

[@GoCards1983]

@kyle4uk244 ...yeah true that too. But i tell u what winning makes people ignore all the off the court stuff. Winter basketball gonna be very interesting in Kentucky 4 sure 🤔

[@TYoung21]

If only these fans were able to come to the home games 😂

[@zackc3767]

For real. One game they need to have for non season ticket holders. IDC if it's SW Missouri Tech just to let fans with a pulse in the door.

[@TYoung21]

💯

[@SoGshaiprosper5417]

My exact thoughts...Barnhart needs to change it...or atleast for some of the games

[@TK-dt4nk]

Now THIS is the Kentucky basketball I know and love 💙!! Absolutely ELECTRIC!

[@Bettorlnformed]

I got goosebumps watching this , good stuff

[@velvetwaterband]

I can’t watch this without crying. So proud of the fans showing up like that! Kentucky Basketball is a big deal! Go Big Blue!!!

[@thedude7554]

You are a prime example of our society today. So soft.....man you need to toughen up!

[@McDoubleWithPickles]

@@thedude7554 Ok tough guy.

[@thedude7554]

@@McDoubleWithPickles Ok cupcake

[@Isoquant]

@@thedude7554 It's ok to get emotional about your alma matter. Sports matter!

[@cwb4280]

Press Conference? We talking about a Press Conference? You damn right we are!!!!! Love the energy here!!! Go Big Blue 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@carylonjorgensen1490]

Well done !!!

[@Wetrockstah2116]

21:52 me my son and my fiance, lol my first time being front row like that, absolutely amazing the energy in that building. I was pumped

[@SoGshaiprosper5417]

Wish we had these same fans fillin Rupp on game day...already intimidating place to play, i.agine if u had real fans like this one top of it

[@KentuckyMusicMafia]

Pure craziness!! Nothing else like this place anywhere!! #BBN

[@brycemuncy9168]

I was lucky enough to make it to the 3rd row. With my wife and our 2 friends next two us. A memory I will never forget!

[@kimab65]

Kentucky fans still love patino.

[@truck_it_23]

This wasn't a press conference it was a revival

[@digging6068]

Can I get an Amen !

[@truck_it_23]

@@digging6068 Amen!!!

[@TraytonPowers-h2d]

I definitely gotta feeling coach pope hinted a possible return of Reed Shepherd saying that they're job as coaches is they get to be Shepherds

[@BS-dq1kz]

I want to think the same and it did seem that way but a big part of me says we’re delusional to think Reed will stay. The money guaranteed with the NBA would be too much for the vast majority of people to pass up. However, I did hear one guy on YT talking about how Reed could make jut as much money staying another year at UK. Idk how accurate that is though.

[@M00SE414]

The thing is long term money. We might, and that's a big "might," be able to get him into 7 figure NIL deals. But that's only for one year. NBA rookie contracts are 4 years that increase over time. We can't do that and get other recruits too. Also he can get injured if he comes back and never have the sure chance at the NBA again. It's best for him to leave as much as I want him back. If he wasn't a for sure top pick like he will be this year, then that's a different conversation.

[@ky42]

It was pure awesomeness!!! Blessed to get 4th row seating to witness the greatness of this!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!💙

[@SugeAvery-s8y]

Ok the party was great but every recruit left and the top one is visiting UL...Mitch sold u guy that 4 mil NIL bs lol

[@brianthacker2332]

I have been a wildcat fan all my life. This I truly think is the best thing for the Wildcats and the fans. I just hope they give him the opportunity and the time it takes for Pope to prove himself. I’m definitely all in. GO BIG BLUE.

[@BS-dq1kz]

This is exactly what I keep saying as well. He needs us to back him from the start like now and if we don’t do the very best his first season, continue to support him. That’s how he will keep his passion and fire in his belly to win! We can’t act like raging lunatics without him getting a fair shot. May take more than one season to build the program the way he plans to.

[@amishupe7302]

Every time I watch this I get chills...I love UK basketball and I love BBN!!!

[@shelbyesters5732]

Got there at 3oclock. Got lucky and jumped the line and got in when they opened the doors. 5th row up. I've been to alot of games as a season ticket holder, but I've never felt that much energy in rupp. This was a messeage to the nation.

[@thelatentobserver121]

I was there. It was great.

[@Marshall_Weber]

Go Big Blue!!! #BBN

[@loriesters7960]

We believe. That's our family motto for new season. Went to bed with Cats on my mind and woke up to it. We are all in! Thanks for coverage Ksr

[@kimab65]

I'm excited for Kentucky basketball the first ti.e in 15 years! GREAT HIRE!

[@josephschroer7594]

This is LOVE: #kyjoe is Ready to Sing!!!! #KSR #BBN #kyjoe

[@natecastleman5555]

I love you Kentucky Joe you make my day when I hear you call into ksr

[@wtk6069]

UK turned away many, many, many times more people at the door than the total attendance of Cal's Arkansas intro. Just sayin'.

[@cwb4280]

😂😂😂 Love it!!

[@lauragray3421]

Wished I was there, but I had to work. I watched it live on WLEX 18 at work. Can't wait for 2024-25 season to start when Coach Mark Pope starts his first season.

[@SoGshaiprosper5417]

I wish we had the true fans like this filling up Rupp on game day instead of the dry azz, non standing aristocrats that hold the tickets

[@bookertee3057]

Great to be a fan again.

[@cwb4280]

This was exactly what we needed. The dumpster fire of fans screaming on Friday turned into a collective reunion of what we all needed. Big Blue needs to back him all the way and we have a great chance at something special here.

[@DvonCarr]

There's always DOUBT what a person SAY, but NEVER what they DO.Good luck Coach Pope.

[@clintonray1032]

Good stuff!

[@rileyrobertson877]

This was one of the best things I’ve experienced in my life… and I’ve been to some great games

[@diddy1847]

This makes me so proud - I’ve got tears n my eyes

[@annjohnson2064]

That's Big Blue Nation!💙😻

[@rogerberry4088]

Wow. What else can you say ? There hasn't been that many for a game in more than 10 years. Congratulations Mark Pope

[@Snowboarder-ov2ss]

Sad day for BYU fans. Congrats on getting your guy. I think you'll love him and he'll do great things on the court.

[@thegroovygoldhunter1728]

I think BBN feels like they got their program back.....What a beautiful sight! GO CATS & Go Mark Pope!

[@rogerberry4088]

The Band that plays the song Mitch was referring to just played a concert at Renfroe Valley Music center the Saturday before this

[@garyb9467]

I was there and had to stand, but it was worth it. Will never see anything like it again in my life

[@cutmemick4949]

I'm sold!

[@diddy1847]

The tears r now on my cheeks #BBN

[@zackc3767]

Damn they had them packed on that bus lol.

[@watchinglclowns9890]

I sincerely hope UK Got The Slime Cleared out of The Office's

[@jgreen678]

Glad I wasn’t the only one who was watery eyed 😅

[@lofiwire7917]

I do wonder what Cal thought about this

[@MGnKntkY]

Cal is part of the reason that much energy was built up in the first place. I think it was a collective exhale of the fan base after 5 years of pure frustration.

[@lofiwire7917]

@@MGnKntkY It felt like there was something else going on there besides basketball too. Family, community ..

[@lauragray3421]

When Arkansas saw Kentucky 's press conference for Mark Pope, they said We can do this for Cal?

[@watchinglclowns9890]

Who cares!!

[@markcarter9599]

Wowowowowwww…… so much energy for a coach with NO tournament wins or Championships as a head coach. Yall pulled out the red carpet for sure..:::

[@nawnaw1749]

Kentucky is desperate

[@revengense7604]

So if we complain about a coach, we’re toxic. If we show up and support a coach and rally behind the program, we’re delusional. Make up your mind.

[@B-Eazy999]

@@nawnaw1749very

[@B-Eazy999]

Watch out having an opinion and stating facts others get mad when u think independently their favorite podcaster said to show support and they will

[@tdvols]

What is Popes record in the tournament? I really don't know what this guy will do but he seems like a nice fit for the fans

[@nawnaw1749]

0-2

[@B-Eazy999]

He had #6 seed twice and lost to #11 seed

[@ModelSensation]

Lets goooooooooooooo!!!!!

[@GoatedAtNFS]

remember when rupp arena was a feared place to play? what happened?

[@zackc3767]

The lower bowl is half full of 70 and 80 year olds who come out of their sarcophagi twice a week to watch UK during winter.

[@watchinglclowns9890]

They represent Money $$$Dude!!!​@zackc3767

[@watchinglclowns9890]

CALIPARI... GLAD HE'S GONE ..

[@jefspencer7687]

Now can we get local KY talent to play and stay 4 years for a senior day again ?? #BBN

[@GoCards1983]

Mitch is a smart dude.... took a fan base that was arrogant and on the fence about the hire... gave freee tix to be inside Rupp (which most cant afford) and masked the fact this was UK 18th choice and got everyone on board. ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THAT GUY!!!!! 😂❤ this is Vince McMahon WWE level marketing 10000% 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@mjm1100]

Do more research and get back to us

[@bluedodger10]

This is the way it's supposed to be in @BBN 😺🏀💙🧢

[@shawnlong4039]

I wonder if there is a Guinness World Record for press conference attendance? I found virtual conference records, but nothing about "in-person" press conferences...

[@theMermaidRhonda]

KY is BACK! GO CATS!

[@Gocats1970]

The Blue Mist...

[@partin25]

Thats what every game woyld be like if they got rid of old rich season ticket holders

[@Nobody-n2m]

IM A POPE ADDICT!

[@scottfleckenstein7948]

I am cautiously optimistic Press conferences are all love and fluff Let’s see who he gets and how the team comes together. Do not be a prisoner of the moment.

[@Isoquant]

Nah. If you always stay always guarded, life will pass you by and you will miss it all. Let yourself feel your emotions and live your life.

[@nickphelps3140]

We have no team at all. Everyone is going to leave including Reed Shepard. Not one player was there because it was Kentucky.but I believe in Mark pope. GO BIG BLUE!!

[@timothycunningham7352]

Lots of optimism but it's still going come down to the nuts and bolts of recruiting. I'm cautiously optimistic.

[@B-Eazy999]

Me & u both

[@royanderson3478]

❤Can Pope do better?

[@thedude7554]

I hope I'm wrong, but you probably will be attending another "coaching hire" conference, soon. Not convinced he's right for the job.

[@damfs]

So matt jones went from saying mark pope wasn't on the list to oh my, to not my choice, to not a great decision, to he was probably the top three on the list. Thats called moving the goalposts my friends. NPD is real. Educate yourself.

[@B-Eazy999]

That’s why everyone flipped u didn’t know , Mitch took them out to dinner handed them a menu with steak and caviar on it and when they got up to use the bathroom and returned he ordered them a cheeseburger to go 😂

[@SHAWNRichie-o2b]

Time to get out of the 90's and start landing some players for next season since everybody is leaving

[@mjm1100]

Give him half a second. Geez! You posted this 9 days ago.

[@SHAWNRichie-o2b]

@@mjm1100 Half a second he had 15 years!

[@mjm1100]

@@SHAWNRichie-o2b Here Dude! Here! Those smaller and/or religious schools were a totally different thing. It was hard to recruit there. He had only been on the staff what? 2 or 3 days? Now it still hasn't even been 2 weeks. Give him some time.

[@nickirmen358]

At Arkansas, Cal didn’t have to submit a video. Coaching Arkansas isn’t a “The Real World” casting submission. Yeah, Kentucky is “just different.” Lmao. Keep telling yourselves you are excited about your 8th choice 😅

[@mjm1100]

The videos were on the internet. And we are excited about whatever number he was chosen. Thanks for being so concerned. Go Cats!

[@nickirmen358]

@@mjm1100 lol. Okay.

[@mjm1100]

@@nickirmen358 I mean, I guess you are excited about our leftovers. Same thing. Lol

[@nickirmen358]

@@mjm1100 referring to an HOF coach “leftovers” proves how ridiculous BBN is. By your logic, Izzo and Self must be garbage considering the dry spells they have each experienced during their tenures. Why did you all want Donovan? He experienced a decline during the last part of his tenure at UF and hasn’t been very good in the NBA, yet somehow if he took the UK job you people all think the title was a lock. You complain about Cal’s focus on high schoolers yet you still want all of them to sign with Kentucky.

[@mjm1100]

@nickirmen358 calm down. I was not trying to make you stroke out. It is not like I am on the staff. You were just being very rude and dismissive about people being excited to have a new coach. Maybe you should stop worrying about what we are doing and enjoy your wonderful new coach then. We are very happy for you and hope you get everything you deserve. Have a nice day!

[@LonniePayton-y9e]

so......

[@kimab65]

Barnhardt should have been fired holding on the cal for 15 miserable years!

[@RedlovesThunder]

Wowwwww, awesome...LOLOLOL I use to love Kentucky....but not anymore! An individual who deserved to be the next head coach of Kentucky Basketball got screwed. Not buying into the propaganda by the Kentucky Sports Media that Pope is gonna be great and all that crap! Wu Pigggggggggggggg GO HOGSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@larrytucker222]

It was free

[@robertmckell4694]

"sold out?" hope it was free...

[@michaeleverett9050]

There was a lot of people in Rupp but, it was not packed. Come on now and report the truth.

[@renegadeproject3181]

They turned away 5000 people. I was there it was standing room only.

[@michaeleverett9050]

@@renegadeproject3181 I was there too, they turned away people because the ratio of fans to security and other required building personnel was not where Fayette County regulations required. There were seats available in the upper part of the second level.

[@mjm1100]

I mean there were a few where people skipped a few seats but it was mostly full. They still could have filled every seat with the people outside.

[@tanasispring7810]

Not a cult

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

10:41 -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3Kscn6MqNlqoNksi=lm8tXHYFcAEbdC6a&t=20

[@robertpewitt8935]

You guys know that a pep rally doesn’t change the fact you got a worse coach than you had.

[@furb1nat0r]

Worse recruiter maybe. But cal is the a roll the ball out coach. We haven't had a game plan in years

[@shanebaker3768]

You think Cal could have took BYU players and beat Kansas Baylor and Iowa State this year? I don’t think he could have imo

[@SoGshaiprosper5417]

​@shanebaker3768 he'll I don't know if he's ever beaten kansas at Allen field house...maybe once if I remember correctly but no...not a chance. Kentucky, the name recruits itself, we don't need 5 top 50 players and 3 never play and transfer at the end of the year. We need a coach that can coach and brings back that gritty, fast pace style, that is KY bbal. We bbbaaaccck!!!BBN..Go CATS

[@B-Eazy999]

@@SoGshaiprosper5417the 96 team was full of top 50 recruits and most were here because Pitino recruited them , I think Jeff Shepherd & DA would have played here regardless, just sayin

[@SugeAvery-s8y]

Listen this is going to be horrible the only player he will pull off is Perry a player Cal did t even want this is bad even with this 4mil NIL he cant keep one this is fuckn bad but the party was nice....

[@LonniePayton-y9e]

thats not gonna win games you entitled fans!

[@SoGshaiprosper5417]

Aaahhh😊...the sound of haters! Wt u mad bro!?

[@B-Eazy999]

Careful having an opinion not the same as theirs they can’t take it

[@mjm1100]

Jealous much???

[@thedude7554]

You people think it admirable/special to fill an arena for a press conference. I think it stupid......

[@shanebaker3768]

Thanks for giving us your opinion, we was all wondering what you thought about it.

[@SoGshaiprosper5417]

​@@shanebaker3768😂😂😂

[@thedude7554]

@@shanebaker3768 we "was" all wondering.... I rest my case.

[@renegadeproject3181]

​@@thedude7554seethe

[@thedude7554]

@@renegadeproject3181 queef

[@50Deuce502]

The only show or entertainment in Lexington is UK basketball... kool but sucks to live there

[@poasamofo]

OK thanks for your comment. Having never lived in Lexington, how would you know?

[@watchinglclowns9890]

Leave.

[@watchinglclowns9890]

Leave

[@wtk6069]

I'm definitely not a city person by nature, but I've lived in Lexington while attending UK, and it's about the most tolerable city of comparable size that I've ever spent time in. And while there were things I complained about when living in Lexington, finding something interesting to do was never an issue, believe me!