Best fanbase in America

[UKGrad24]

You know more than I know. Is there some secret about how he has mishandled behind the scenes matters? If not, what are you talking about?

It has been said by a very influential booster that Mark hasn’t handled the booster base as well as they’d hoped. To me it sounded like he’s been given extreme resources, a job he’s not qualified for, a change of a lifetime and doesn’t seem to be as accessible or respectable as they thought. Mark has a bit of a side to him that rubs people wrong. He’s not exactly as he appears, albeit a good guy no doubt.

It sounded to me like the job went a bit to his head and he didn’t understand the access you must give influential boosters. There are other posters here, one in particular, that knows about these issues. It’a not made up. it’s a real issue.

I’m not privy to all of the issue or the exact situations but I do know of one situation in particular which I am not going to disclose. But it was extremely disrespectful.

 

[Beatle Bum]

Man yea hold up and let me skim through the last twenty years of post. That's why I keep repeating the same thing because this thread has one purpose. I will reply in other threads to you and Paul about anything else.

You didn't answer the question tho. Do you agree Kentucky Basketball has the best fanbase in America?

So, your cry of foul in the OP was just a strawman. You’re sick of something you cannot find. Gotcha. Probably should avoid posting things you don’t want to discuss.

I don’t think there is a better fanbase than Kentucky basketball. I also think it the largest fanbase in college basketball. Because every fans base has a percentage of foolish behavior that embarrass the whole, I think UK has more of those numbers because it has more total numbers, by far.

You pressing me on a point I never suggested was false reeks of paranoia. BBN should not be paranoid.

 

[Beatle Bum]

It has been said by a very influential booster that Mark hasn’t handled the booster base as well as they’d hoped. To me it sounded like he’s been given extreme resources, a job he’s not qualified for, a change of a lifetime and doesn’t seem to be as accessible or respectable as they thought. Mark has a bit of a side to him that rubs people wrong. He’s not exactly as he appears, albeit a good guy no doubt.

It sounded to me like the job went a bit to his head and he didn’t understand the access you must give influential boosters. There are other posters here, one in particular, that knows about these issues. It’a not made up. it’s a real issue.

I’m not privy to all of the issue or the exact situations but I do know of one situation in particular which I am not going to disclose. But it was extremely disrespectful.

What very influential booster said that?

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

Not disputing the claim, just asking an honest question. What measurable metric are people using when they say "best" fanbase? Are they actually using one? Are they using multiple and comparing them against other fanbases? Is it just a blanket statement that may or may not be true but it is hard to both prove or disprove?

I can say this poster (let's say @*Fox2Monk* to use a random example) is the Best poster on all of Rupp Rafters. Might be true, might not be. Other people will argue it. How do I go about proving my claim they are the best? How does someone else go about proving they aren't and someone else is? 'Best" is a very vague word without context and data, much like GOAT. One's opinion on who the GOAT is means nothing without stats and proof for comparisons.

Attendance records. Numbers we show up in. How we take over cities. Why do they have Catlanta, Catsville, and any other names they use when we have ballgames in their city. If you're a true UK fan you know we have knowledge of the game and dissect every second of every game. Like I already stated to begin with ..the way we pack Rupp out for a practice or even just a press conference for a coach we weren't even happy about but still show up and support in an unheard of way.

If you're a Cat fan you understand anything stated or not stated without it having to be said. So to answer your question at the end of the day sure you can be number one in almost every area of where you could judge a fanbase and somebody could still say naaaa y'all aren't the best. So sure it's just an opinion if we want to ignore numbers and the way we support our team. But we all know. And if you want to disagree then you could. But whatever program you say has a better fanbase than Kentucky I'll give you some more reasons they aren't when the season starts.

It's kind of back to the point of if 19,999 fans are booing and 1 fan isn't.....yea there's someone who probably disagrees but I haven't seen the one person yet because we all know who the biggest and most passionate fan base is.


Even at our lowest points we support more than other programs. So sure it's an opinion. But when it's a unanimous opinion then it's kind of a true statement to make. But if it makes you feel better I'll say what you wanted to hear....it's not a fact.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

So, your cry of foul in the OP was just a strawman. You’re sick of something you cannot find. Gotcha. Probably should avoid posting things you don’t want to discuss.

I don’t think there is a better fanbase than Kentucky basketball. I also think it the largest fanbase in college basketball. Because every fans base has a percentage of foolish behavior that embarrass the whole, I think UK has more of those numbers because it has more total numbers, by far.

You pressing me on a point I never suggested was false reeks of paranoia. BBN should not be paranoid.

That was hard to pull out of you BUM but I'm proud of you because KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HAS THE BEST FANBASE IN AMERICA!

 

[Beatle Bum]

The more I think about the more I feel the best fanbase does not have to promote itself as the best fanbase. Bella Hadid does not have to keep telling people she is beautiful. We need to have a confidence about who we are without the need to shout it to everyone or remind ourselves. That is little brother behavior.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

The more I think about the more I feel the best fanbase does not have to promote itself as the best fanbase. Bella Hadid does not have to keep telling people she is beautiful. We need to have a confidence about who we are without the need to shout it to everyone or remind ourselves. That is little brother behavior.

Loud and proud. I guess America isn't the best country either like you said.....

It's killing you that I won't allow the thread to get off topic. A big rafters disease we have going on.

KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HAS THE BEST FANBASE IN AMERICA!!

 

[Beatle Bum]

And, by the way, I do not limit BBN to just basketball.

 

[sk73]

Does Alabama football sell out a stadium for practice? Does Philly sell out for a practice? Do the Lakers sell out for a practice? Do the Yankees sell out for a practice? Do the Celtics? Does anybody in the world sell out for a practice?


Kentucky Basketball sells out for a on the fly Pep rally put on at the last minute just to introduce a coach. Has thousands outside wishing they could get in. Thousands outside wanting autographs. 20 something thousand inside the arena going crazy just to introduce a coach that most were unhappy with when he got hired?

I'm tired of weak individuals trying to bash the fanbase just because we have more passion than they can handle. Y'all need to find a new team because over here we don't have room for mildness. You're a die hard or you're nothing. Go back to wherever y'all came from with the bullcrap talking about it's BBNs fault we didn't land a player or anything else that might happen.

The only thing that is our fault is making this the most unique experience in the world for a college basketball player to come play a game. We are number one and it's not even close.

Our present support is based on past history, not Pope. There is less interest in this upcoming season than I can remember. The Pep Rally you speak of? Mitch spent a bunch to make that possible. This board was strong in those days and the vocal opposition to Popes hire, and to Barnhart, was very loud. Mitch simply responded.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

I thought I’ve been a bit argumentative lately.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

And, by the way, I do not limit BBN to just basketball.

Me either. But we support basketball more than any other sport. No matter how hard you try to divert the point of the thread you won't.

KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HAS THE BEST FANBASE IN AMERICA.

the main purpose was to simply state that point. Nothing else. If you disagree then say that. If not I'll have to take it up with you in another thread where you and Paul and many others like to focus on the most useless things that people say.

KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HAS THE BEST FANBASE IN AMERICA.

That's all folks. You don't got to be ashamed of being passionate. It's what makes us the best.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

Our present support is based on past history, not Pope. There is less interest in this upcoming season than I can remember. The Pep Rally you speak of? Mitch spent a bunch to make that possible. This board was strong in those days and the vocal opposition to Popes hire, and to Barnhart, was very loud. Mitch simply responded.

The fans are the ones that showed up. I can give Mitch credit for whatever he did to make it an event that the fanbase could show up to thousands deep. There were thousands outside that didn't get to go in because it was packed like sardines.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

I thought I’ve been a bit argumentative lately.

Where's an argument?

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

Our present support is based on past history, not Pope. There is less interest in this upcoming season than I can remember. The Pep Rally you speak of? Mitch spent a bunch to make that possible. This board was strong in those days and the vocal opposition to Popes hire, and to Barnhart, was very loud. Mitch simply responded.

Our future support will always be because of the past. Our current support will always be because the past. You can't be the greatest tradition in college sports without the past.

Popes shortcomings are kind of where this all stems from in the first place. Fans stating their dislike for the current state of the program and wanting to get back at the top of the mountain.

Name a coach that didn't succeed at the highest rate and kept his job at the University of Kentucky. Because of the past we have a standard to uphold. We have expectations.

 

[PastorofMuppets82]

Even at our lowest points we support more than other programs. So sure it's an opinion. But when it's a unanimous opinion then it's kind of a true statement to make. But if it makes you feel better I'll say what you wanted to hear....it's not a fact.

I think you misunderstood the point of my questions. I am not saying UK doesn't have the "best" fanbase, my issue is with using the word "best" at all. Like you say Most Passionate Fanbase, how do you quantify passion?

Best at what? And only a super blue tinted glasses fan would say best at everything. We are best or better at almost everything, but not entirely everything.

Most Well Traveled Fanbase (great)
Most Knowledgeable Fanbase (excellent)

My issue is with the subjectivity of the word Best to describe BBN. Not to argue BBN's rank amongst others.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

I think you misunderstood the point of my questions. I am not saying UK doesn't have the "best" fanbase, my issue is with using the word "best" at all. Like you say Most Passionate Fanbase, how do you quantify passion?

Best at what? And only a super blue tinted glasses fan would say best at everything. We are best or better at almost everything, but not entirely everything.

Most Well Traveled Fanbase (great)
Most Knowledgeable Fanbase (excellent)

My issue is with the subjectivity of the word Best to describe BBN. Not to argue BBN's rank amongst others.

I'm trying to understand. Also trying to give a real reply to cover as much as I could. That's the reason for such a long reply.

Simply if someone doesn't think we're the best then that is their opinion. But I think even other fanbases would agree on this even if it hurt their soul lol.

I have Tennessee friends that tell me all the time man y'all are crazy. When I was in Nashville the people in the city were like yupp we knew y'all had a game this weekend because we blow up the spot.

We're basically like the Irish at the world cup in every city we have a game in.

But if we're the best in 4 out of 5 categories that would make us the best imo. 2 out of 3 or whatever number of categories you would want to use. I don't really want to use categories because I think most people simply agree with the statement that Kentucky has the best fan base. And if they don't they are also obligated to feel that way as much as I feel we are.

 

[theKybluedude]

It has been said by a very influential booster that Mark hasn’t handled the booster base as well as they’d hoped. To me it sounded like he’s been given extreme resources, a job he’s not qualified for, a change of a lifetime and doesn’t seem to be as accessible or respectable as they thought. Mark has a bit of a side to him that rubs people wrong. He’s not exactly as he appears, albeit a good guy no doubt.

It sounded to me like the job went a bit to his head and he didn’t understand the access you must give influential boosters. There are other posters here, one in particular, that knows about these issues. It’a not made up. it’s a real issue.

I’m not privy to all of the issue or the exact situations but I do know of one situation in particular which I am not going to disclose. But it was extremely disrespectful.

BS. Unbelievable. Projecting. Not able to document a source.

 

[Neal Orac]

I remember my first Mt. Dew.

 

[UKortho]

Our present support is based on past history, not Pope. There is less interest in this upcoming season than I can remember. The Pep Rally you speak of? Mitch spent a bunch to make that possible. This board was strong in those days and the vocal opposition to Popes hire, and to Barnhart, was very loud. Mitch simply responded.

When the sun sets on Pope's time here in Lexington most everyone will understand what a huge mistake hiring that clown was. The resale market for tickets last year was unlike anything that I have EVER seen. It wasn't even close to that bad during Cal's last few years here. People are really turned off by Pope (recruits, fans, agents, other coachs). Kind of like the Popette's here on rafters lol.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

The problem I have with some fanbases is the fact many (not all) of these fans simply want to be associated with a winner. It's a two edged sword because winning brings the fans. I think within the fanbase you have "great fans" who stick with the team through thick and thin--but you also have fans solely there because the team wins.
I definitely can't stand those fans.

Honestly, I can see a case for our Football fanbase as a whole being "better" fans due to attendance being top 25 historically despite on-field results. Also when we make a bowl game, we travel in the 30s or 40s of thousands to go watch them.

personal example: I work as a volunteer on the field crew for my daughters HS band. This band is considered ELITE regionally and nationally. Unfortunately, many of the crew parents are living too vicariously through the dynastic reputation of the band. As a result, many of them are folks I'd rather not be around.

 

[UKCowboys]

Only thing that has dropped us is Mitch and Cap. The fanbase has nothing to do with the decline of Kentucky basketball. Even the crap fans I'm talking about in the thread aren't responsible. There's a million to one when it comes to passionate fans and the everybody gets a trophy fans.

That's my point. I'm tired of the lies about the fanbase when we have proof of traveling and showing up better than any fanbase in America. If we had a game on the complete opposite side of the globe BBN would sell out that Arena.

Mitch has nothing to do with you wrapping on other UK fans

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Paul, your crybully schtick is getting old.

If you guys would cut back on all the whining you wouldn't get such responses.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Not emotional. But it's ok to have emotions. Seperates us from animals. We're human. I genuinely ask if you're a UK fan because nothing in this thread would upset any true UK fan.

You think animals don't have emotions?

The vast majority of the arena bood multiple times. I was court side for one of them, I’ve never in my life heard the UK base collectively as pissed odd as I’ve heard them lately. It’s not fringe. You’ve got boosters that are not happy at all with Mark. He’s handled things behind the scenes about as bad as on the court or in recruiting. Just being objective about it. I’m not going to pretend it’s a nothing burger or a fringe group when it’s clearly not.

For the third time today "I never complained about the booing at Bridgestone Arena" and I never suggested everyone involved in that was part of the lunatic fringe.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

I'm focusing on the good and that is having the best fanbase in America by a longshot. I have nothing else to say in this thread. I said I'm tired of the nonsense and you will not get the thread off topic. KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HAS THE BEST FANBASE IN AMERICA!

if me stating that over and over after telling you that's all I will focus on is childish then call me childish. I'm guilty. We can get off topic and focus on the negativity In other threads.

KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HAS THE BEST FANBASE IN AMERICA

You should know very well that is not how it works on a message board. Have you not seen all the crazy remarks and sidetracking that occurs when I simply post some factual statistics?

 

[mhs1964]

Not disputing the claim, just asking an honest question. What measurable metric are people using when they say "best" fanbase? Are they actually using one? Are they using multiple and comparing them against other fanbases? Is it just a blanket statement that may or may not be true but it is hard to both prove or disprove?

I can say this poster (let's say @*Fox2Monk* to use a random example) is the Best poster on all of Rupp Rafters. Might be true, might not be. Other people will argue it. How do I go about proving my claim they are the best? How does someone else go about proving they aren't and someone else is? 'Best" is a very vague word without context and data, much like GOAT. One's opinion on who the GOAT is means nothing without stats and proof for comparisons.

A voice of reason here. As well as an accurate assessment. One might say the best fanbase is the one that gives the most money, another might say it is the one that embraces its team when things are not going well. Amen, brother. Maybe this will shut down the argument.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

I remember my first Mt. Dew.

Those things will have you red in the face and ready to croak by 60. Hopefully it was your last also. Water man .

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

Mitch has nothing to do with you wrapping on other UK fans

Never said he did. Said he is the reason for the decline of Kentucky Basketball.

 

[theKybluedude]

When the sun sets on Pope's time here in Lexington most everyone will understand what a huge mistake hiring that clown was. The resale market for tickets last year was unlike anything that I have EVER seen. It wasn't even close to that bad during Cal's last few years here. People are really turned off by Pope (recruits, fans, agents, other coachs). Kind of like the Popette's here on rafters lol.

The fans I talk with are excited to see this years team and I talk to a large number.

Why is resale value important? Fans go to the games or in most cases give other fans their unused txs. We led the nation in attendance.

 

[warrior-cat]

Does Alabama football sell out a stadium for practice? Does Philly sell out for a practice? Do the Lakers sell out for a practice? Do the Yankees sell out for a practice? Do the Celtics? Does anybody in the world sell out for a practice?


Kentucky Basketball sells out for a on the fly Pep rally put on at the last minute just to introduce a coach. Has thousands outside wishing they could get in. Thousands outside wanting autographs. 20 something thousand inside the arena going crazy just to introduce a coach that most were unhappy with when he got hired?

I'm tired of weak individuals trying to bash the fanbase just because we have more passion than they can handle. Y'all need to find a new team because over here we don't have room for mildness. You're a die hard or you're nothing. Go back to wherever y'all came from with the bullcrap talking about it's BBNs fault we didn't land a player or anything else that might happen.

The only thing that is our fault is making this the most unique experience in the world for a college basketball player to come play a game. We are number one and it's not even close.

"We talking about practice man, Practice!"

 

[warrior-cat]

Well that is exactly who I'm speaking to. I'm tired of the nonsense. Let's start being honest around here.

If you are going to be honest, what are you talking about? Last year's season being as bad as it was without context or do you include context. Honesty includes context.

 

[KyKevin]

The fans I talk with are excited to see this years team and I talk to a large number.

Why is resale value important? Fans go to the games or in most cases give other fans their unused txs. We led the nation in attendance.

I can't wait for November and to see what this bunch of Cats can do. I believe this will be a great year for us.

Go Cats

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

If you are going to be honest, what are you talking about? Last year's season being as bad as it was without context or do you include context. Honesty includes context.

This thread was for the ones that like to blame anything negative about the program on the fanbase. There's not much else context to explain. I kept it simple for the posters that like to run off on something completely off topic. The ones who are full of crap 24/7 on here.

Obviously the portion of the fanbase I'm saying this to is the ones on rafters that do what I just said. We all know who does what on here. Pretty long going community.

In my opinion Kentucky has the best fanbase in America by far and it's not even close. That's the context. That's it.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

I can't wait for November and to see what this bunch of Cats can do. I believe this will be a great year for us.

Go Cats

Same. I'm pumped up. As I am every year. Maybe we make some noise.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

If you are going to be honest, what are you talking about? Last year's season being as bad as it was without context or do you include context. Honesty includes context.

Also I don't remember saying anything about how bad last year was. I just stayed we have the best fan base. This isn't a Pope bash thread or a UK bash thread. It's a positive thread about our fanbase. Nothing more.

 

[The Nightman2]

This thread was for the ones that like to blame anything negative about the program on the fanbase. There's no much else context to explain. I kept it simple for the posters that like to run off on something completely off topic. The ones who are full of crap 24/7 on here.

Obviously the portion of the fanbase I'm saying this to is the ones on rafters that do what I just said. We all know who does what on here. Pretty long going community.

In my opinion Kentucky has the best fanbase in America by far and it's not even close. That's the context. That's it.

Cmon Man just go on and throw the Andy Avatar on .

 

[UKCowboys]

Never said he did. Said he is the reason for the decline of Kentucky Basketball.

Thread is about fanbase lmao

 

[UKortho]

The fans I talk with are excited to see this years team and I talk to a large number.

Why is resale value important? Fans go to the games or in most cases give other fans their unused txs. We led the nation in attendance.

I cannot go to weekday games. In years past I could recover some of my money ($6,500 per year is my cost). I do give some away- but not all. Last year’s resale market was putrid.
But, to answer your question- the resale market is an ideal test for fan interest. Pope’s first year- tickets were very easy to sell. Last year they just weren’t. Many people get excited for the season to start. When it comes to laying down some $$? That’s a whole new ballgame. I usually give a few tickets away to some Rupp’s Rafters folks.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

Cmon Man just go on and throw the Andy Avatar on .

I would if the grown men on here weren't so sensitive

 

[Buckwheat Otay Is Dead]

It has been said by a very influential booster that Mark hasn’t handled the booster base as well as they’d hoped. To me it sounded like he’s been given extreme resources, a job he’s not qualified for, a change of a lifetime and doesn’t seem to be as accessible or respectable as they thought. Mark has a bit of a side to him that rubs people wrong. He’s not exactly as he appears, albeit a good guy no doubt.

It sounded to me like the job went a bit to his head and he didn’t understand the access you must give influential boosters. There are other posters here, one in particular, that knows about these issues. It’a not made up. it’s a real issue.

I’m not privy to all of the issue or the exact situations but I do know of one situation in particular which I am not going to disclose. But it was extremely disrespectful.

Best Fanbase In Soccer, Manchester United

 

[NociHTTP]

This thread was for the ones that like to blame anything negative about the program on the fanbase. There's no much else context to explain. I kept it simple for the posters that like to run off on something completely off topic. The ones who are full of crap 24/7 on here.

Obviously the portion of the fanbase I'm saying this to is the ones on rafters that do what I just said. We all know who does what on here. Pretty long going community.

In my opinion Kentucky has the best fanbase in America by far and it's not even close. That's the context. That's it.

On a personal level, I don't know of one fan who has blamed the lack of recent success on the fanbase. Mostly it's been because of Mitch, Calipari and Pope. Even then it's far less negativity about Pope than it is about the dog walker out in Arky.