Kentucky Football Schedule 2019 update with Eastern Michigan

Kentucky will get a huge break in the form of an eighth home game in 2019.

The Wildcats have announced that their game against Eastern Michigan, scheduled for Sept. 7 at Eastern Michigan, will now be played in Lexington on the same date, according to Jen Smith of the Lexington Herald Leader.

“We are thrilled to be hosting an eighth home game next season,” athletics director Mitch Barnhart said in a statement, according to Smith. “Eastern Michigan approached us about moving our football game with them next season and we were happy to accommodate. It’s win-win for both parties, with us getting to play at Kroger Field and Eastern Michigan securing funds that will be helpful to their department.”

Kentucky had to buy Eastern Michigan out for the home game, which cost the Wildcats $800,000, according to Smith. But it will lead to increased athletics revenue.

Kentucky played Eastern Michigan in 2017 and won 24-20. The Wildcats could end up benefiting greatly from an eighth home game next year as they work to continuously improve their record under Mark Stoops.