UK President talks about new dorms, alcohol policy on campus, Commonwealth Stadium and Joker Phillips

The University of Kentucky is preparing to change the face of its campus, from building upgrades to new dorms to revisiting its no-alcohol policy. But UK President Eli Capilouto said major renovations to Commonwealth Stadium are not imminent.

“We do think that providing this quality living space on campus will relieve some of the pressures you may see in the neighborhoods. And that’s not all we’re going to do,” Capilouto said.

“It’s about drinking at the proper age and about responsible consumption of alcohol. This is a reality in today’s young adults,” he said (1:45). Capilouto, though, wouldn’t say whether he, personally, favors to eliminate the no-alcohol policy on campus.

Capilouto said UK’s campus has at least a dozen buildings that need significant renovations or must be rebuilt. The university has set aside $15 million to cover “mortgage payments” for those improvements to classroom and lab buildings.

The $15 million wouldn’t count toward planned upgrades to Commonwealth Stadium. Boosters and athletics officials have called for upgrades to the stadium, including the addition of suites. Capilouto noted that some upgrades to athletics facilities, such as the soccer fields have been made.

“Our facilities are probably the middle of the pack in the Southeastern Conference. There are needs to improve our athletic facilities and Commonwealth is certainly one of them,” he said. (5:30).

Hear what he has to say about the financial viability of the athletics department in light of a drop in football season ticket sales and his take on Football Coach Joker Phillips at the end of the interview.