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Kentucky unveils new checkerboard end zones (Photo)

By Patrick Schmidt

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The Kentucky Wildcats will have a new look and feel when fans step into Commonwealth Stadium next year with checkerboard end zones the biggest change.

The old adage imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so the Tennessee Volunteers must feel very flattered to know their SEC east brethren Kentucky is taking a page out of their field design by introducing checkerboard end zones.

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Checkerboard end zones are synonymous with Tennessee just as Rocky Top, the Vol Navy or their beloved mascot, Smoky but now they border a state that will have checkerboard end zones too when they meet Kentucky on the gridiron after renovations to Commonwealth Stadium.

Tennessee first had checkerboard end zones in 1964 and have been a permanent fixture at Neyland Stadium since the 1988 season.

I suppose that will make them feel right at home when the Vols invade the stadium and run up the score, but take a look for yourself at the new field design at Kentucky at the image shared on Twitter by the Kentucky athletics page.

The checkerboard pattern was suggested by fans, although not every fan is on board with the look as you can see if you read the replies to the above tweet.

While it isn’t as obvious as Tennessee’s orange and white checkerboard pattern you can see the distinct checkerboard pattern when you set your eyes on the end zones. I do like the look of the field, but considering it’s a straight copy of Tennessee’s they lose some points in my book. Come up with a new idea instead of ripping off one from your neighbors.

Kentucky’s $110 million renovation project meant there was no spring game for the Wildcats this year so the first game inside the remodeled stadium will be the Sept. 5 opener against Louisiana.

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