In a thrilling announcement on Monday night, the bracket for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Tennis Tournament revealed Kentucky as the proud bearer of the No. 5 overall seed in the 64-team field. The Wildcats are poised to showcase their talent on home turf, hosting DePaul in the opening round at the Boone Tennis Center in Lexington. Joining them for the opening weekend of competition are formidable opponents Illinois and Toledo.
Action kicks off with the University of Toledo taking on Illinois on Friday, May 3, at 1 p.m., followed by Kentucky’s clash against DePaul at 4 p.m. The winners of these matches will face off on Saturday at 4 p.m., with the triumphant team advancing to the Super Regional stage.
Excitement is palpable as fans eagerly anticipate the showdown, with tickets now available for purchase to the general public through the UK Ticket Office. Priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youth ages 3-18 and seniors 65+, tickets offer access to a thrilling display of tennis prowess. Children ages 2 and under enjoy complimentary admission.
For full-time University of Kentucky students, admission is free upon presentation of a valid student ID at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex on match day. However, faculty/staff IDs, K Fund Sports Passes, and Junior Wildcat Club Passes do not grant free entry and require tickets purchased via the public link.
To streamline the match-day experience, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines. All pre-purchased tickets will be delivered electronically via mobile, accessible through My UK Account or the UK Athletics App.
Parking options abound, with designated lots across from the tennis facility, near the UK Track Complex, and additional space at the Kroger Field green lot. Gates open one hour prior to the first match each day, ensuring ample time for fans to soak in the atmosphere and show their support for the Wildcats.
Kentucky’s inclusion in this year’s NCAA Tournament marks their eighth consecutive appearance and the tenth under the guidance of head coach Cedric Kauffmann. Boasting an impressive record of 24-2, including a flawless 12-0 conference run, the Wildcats are primed for success. Their recent triumphs, including clinching the SEC Tournament title and the outright regular-season championship, underscore their formidable presence in collegiate tennis.
As one of 12 representatives from the Southeastern Conference, Kentucky stands at the forefront of a conference renowned for its tennis prowess. With top-16 seeds secured by Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State, the SEC reaffirms its dominance on the national stage, setting the stage for a captivating tournament filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
