LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville's football team is gearing up for its opening game against Florida this Friday, and fans can expect to see many changes to Cardinal Stadium.
Several new features have been added to enhance the overall fan experience and provide added customer service.
New pedestal ticket scanners will be installed at the two busiest gates: 2 and 4. There will also be walk-thru security, like stationary magnetic scanners, instead of handheld security scanners. This allows fans to keep phones in their hands, and wallets and keys in their pockets.
Thanks to a $5 million investment, fans will not only have use of the free Wi-Fi system but will also enjoy more in-venue digital engagement opportunities. The stadium will also make "CardinalsWiFi" available.
The former Brown & Williamson Club located on the west side of the stadium has been renovated into the expansive 18,000-square feet Angel's Envy Bourbon Club, with the help of a $4-million gift from Angel's Envy.
Grab-and-go stations labeled "On the Fly" have been installed in certain to make high-demand options more readily available. There will also be $4 beer options in select spaces and the return of half-priced drinks from the times gates open until kickoff as part of "Happy Hour and a Half."
In addition to the new improvements, the stadium will use certain protocols that have already been in place.
Mobile entry is now available at all venues, including Cardinal Stadium. Fans will no longer need to print tickets. All tickets can be accessed through the CardsMobile app. Print-at-home paper tickets (PDFs) will not be accepted at any Louisville Athletics venue to combat fraud and counterfeiting commonly associated with PDF tickets.
Fans will need to bring clear, see-through bags to games.
Parking lots will open five hours before kickoff. Purple parking lots will use a first come, first served "speed parking" method. All spaces will be reserved in the Sun Tan City Bronze Lots and Platinum Lot S.
Tailgating outside Cardinal Stadium got a bit easier. The partnership between the University of Louisville and RevelXP will allow Cardinal fans and alumni to save time on football game days this fall through Norton Healthcare Card March Reserved Tailgating. The packages include services like reserved locations, tents, chairs coolers and more.
The Alley by Buffalo Construction, Inc. returns for its second year as the premier pre-game social setting on South Floyd Street. It features an expansive courtyard complete with turf greens for yard games, live entertainment, numerous drink options and food trucks. It is free to all fans and opens four hours prior to kickoff. It closes 30 minutes before the game begins.