Louisville and Kentucky play each year for the Governor’s Cup. The two schools first met in 1912 when the Wildcats shutout the Cardinals 41-0. The Governor's Cup, however, did not become a regular rivalry until 1994 when the trophy was introduced. The Cardinals have fared much better since the introduction of the trophy in 1994, but they still trail the all-time series 13-14. The Cardinals will hope to tie the all-time series when the two schools meet this year and will look to overtake the Wildcats in the coming years.
This traveling trophy has been awarded to the winner of every Louisville vs. Cincinnati football game since 1929 when the Bearcats beat the Cardinals 7-0. It is the Cardinals oldest rivalry and has spanned over four conferences throughout its history. The Cardinals trail the all-time series 22-30-1 but have won six of the last ten in their quest to even the series.
These two schools have a healthy rivalry in both football and basketball, which goes back to 1948 when the Tigers beat the Cardinals 13-7. The Cardinals have gotten their revenge since taking a 24-19 lead in the all-time series, which they hope to extend shortly.
Cardinals Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Louisville tailgates have a college town atmosphere despite the fact that Louisville is the biggest city in Kentucky. Here you’ll find fans throughout the various tailgate lots eating, drinking, and playing numerous tailgate games. You’ll also see many members of the Cardinals pep squad warming up and interacting with fans.
One of the biggest draws to a Cardinals tailgate is the Card March, which allows fans the chance to give their team that last little bit of inspiration before they take the field. About two hours and 15 minutes before the game the team gets off the bus at Floyd Street and marches to Gate 4 as they are cheered on by adoring fans. If you want a chance to get up close and personal with Louisville players and coaches, make sure to get to the game early and find a spot for the Card March.
Louisville is also home to some great parking lot tailgating and if you’re looking for something different renting a caboose provides a fun time as well. No matter how you tailgate, you’ll have an excellent time tailgating before a Louisville football game.
The Card March allows fans to give their team that lasts little bit of inspiration before they take the field. About two hours and 15 minutes before the game the team gets off the bus at Floyd Street and marches to Gate 4 as they are cheered on by adoring fans. If you want a chance to get up close and personal with Louisville players and coaches, make sure to get to the game early and find a spot for the Card March.
Green, Bronze, and Platinum LotsThere are several lots adjacent to Cardinals Stadium that are designated for tailgating. If you want to be close to the stadium and set up your tailgate, then make sure to reserve a spot in one of the Green, Bronze, or Platinum Lots.
CaboosesLouisville offers a unique way to tailgate that will leave you wanting to come back soon. You can rent out furnished train cabooses for your tailgate party that feature a wide array of amenities. If you’re want to tailgate in style, then there is no better way to do so than by renting out a tailgate caboose.
Cardinals Stadium Guide
In Game
Cardinals games have a spectacular atmosphere as everyone is on the edge of their seat throughout the game. Fans here come to do one thing, which is to cheer on the Cards. Win or lose Cardinals fans always have their team’s back. Football has a strong history at Louisville, as it is the alma mater of Johnny Unitas, meaning that the fans here not only are very passionate but are also very knowledgeable when it comes to the game.
Louisville games get off to a soaring start as before every home game the Cardinal mascot parachutes into the stadium. Not only is this a great way to get the crowd pumped up, but it also signals to the tailgaters outside the stadium that the game is about to start. Look for the parachuting bird to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
Once the game kicks off, you’ll see even more pageantry on display. Louisville is home to an incredible marching band, and the cheer and dance teams are great as well. The Red Rage Marching Band has appeared on national TV several times, and the Ladybirds dance team have won seven national titles, so you know you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Cardinals game.
The excellent fan support and pageantry make attending a Louisville football game a great time for any diehard college football fan.
Johnny Unitas is the greatest player to have ever played for the Cardinals and as such he has been immortalized by a statue that sits in the north end zone right outside the Schnellenberger Complex.
The Howard Schnellenberger Football Complex is home to the football offices as well as the football team’s conditioning center. If you want to see where things go on behind the scenes of Cardinals football, then stop by the Howard Schnellenberger Football Complex.
Located at the back of the press box, the Brown and Williamson Club contains several ballrooms that can be rented out for receptions. If you’re looking to entertain a large group at a Cardinals game, then reserve space in the Brown and Williamson Club.
Before every home game, the Cardinal mascot parachutes into the stadium. Not only is this a great way to get the crowd pumped up, but it also signals to the tailgaters outside the stadium that the game is about to start. Look for the parachuting bird to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
This mask resembling the logo of the Card Chronicle blog became popular during Louisville’s very successful 2012-13 season. Its popularity has only grown since then as not only has it been often featured on the blog and frequently seen during Louisville game broadcasts, but it has even spawned its pre-game march similar to the Card March. Keep your eyes peeled for the Card Chronicles Bird Mask and the Card Chronicles Bird Mask March when you’re at a Louisville game.
A train whistle is blown in celebration of each and every Cardinals score. The whistle originated due to the school’s proximity to the railroad tracks and had become a mainstay over the years. Get ready to hear this whistle often as Louisville runs up the score on the opposition.
One unique Cardinals football traditions is the victory lap. After every win, the players walk around the field and give a high-five to every fan. The tradition began at the end of the 1990 season and had been going strong ever since as it provides a great way for the players to show their appreciation to the fans.
Both the cheerleaders and dance squads at Louisville are critically acclaimed as the cheerleading squad has won 15 national titles, while the dance squad known as the Ladybirds are no slouches either having cemented seven national titles of their own. The football game isn’t the only show on display at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium as these two squads are sure to put on quite a performance of their own.
The University of Louisville’s Red Rage Marching Band plays each and every Cardinals home game. They much like the cheer and dance squad are quite the accomplished group as not only have they made appearances on ESPN, ABC World News Tonight, and even Oprah. They are also the band that has been chosen each year to play My Old Kentucky Home at the Kentucky Derby. Keep your eyes and ears open during halftime as you don’t want to miss the Red Rage Marching Band.
One of the best ways to show off your school spirit is through Louisville’s “L” hand signal. To make this signal just stick your right thumb out while raising your index and middle finger. This hand signal is an excellent way to show off your Cardinals pride, and if you use it often, you’ll make friends quickly at the game.
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