🗓️ CONFIRMATION: The scheduled time for the Kentucky Wildcats vs. Ole Miss Rebels game has been changed—Here’s what you need to know…

**CONFIRMATION: The scheduled time for the Kentucky Wildcats vs. Ole Miss Rebels game has been changed—Here’s what you need to know…**

The Kentucky Wildcats’ SEC men’s basketball game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena has been officially rescheduled to an earlier start time due to an incoming winter storm impacting the Lexington area. The game, originally set for a 12:00 p.m. ET tipoff on Saturday, January 24, 2026, will now begin at **11:00 a.m. ET** (10:00 a.m. CT).

This adjustment was confirmed by the University of Kentucky Athletics Department on January 22, 2026, and echoed by Ole Miss Athletics and the Southeastern Conference. The change prioritizes the safety of fans, players, staff, and travel parties amid forecasts of heavy snowfall (potentially 4–8 inches in parts of central Kentucky), freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, reduced visibility, and dangerously low wind chills. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the region, with hazardous conditions expected to develop mid-morning and worsen throughout the afternoon and evening.

### Key Details on the Time Change- **New Tipoff Time**: 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT)- **Doors Open**: 9:30 a.m. ET at Rupp Arena, providing fans with additional time to arrive safely- **Broadcast**: The game remains televised nationally on ESPN, with pregame coverage likely starting around 10:30 a.m. ET. Streaming is available via the ESPN app, WatchESPN, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and other providers carrying ESPN. Radio coverage continues on the UK Sports Network.- **Tickets**: All previously purchased tickets remain fully valid for the new start time. No exchanges or refunds are required due to the change.

Fans unable to attend because of weather-related issues should contact the UK Ticket Office for potential options.- **Why the Change?** Proactive safety measures to avoid travel complications during peak storm hours. Lexington roads could become slick quickly, and remote parking or shuttles may face delays.

### Current Team Standings and StorylinesKentucky enters the game with solid momentum under head coach Mark Pope in his second season. The Wildcats hold a 13-6 overall record and a 4-2 mark in SEC play. They are riding a four-game winning streak—the longest of Pope’s tenure—including a gritty 85-80 non-conference win over Texas on January 21 at Rupp Arena. That victory highlighted Kentucky’s interior strength, rebounding dominance (out-rebounding Texas 42–34), and composure in pressure situations, earning high praise from analysts like Shaquille O’Neal, who called it “authority” rather than mere survival.

Ole Miss brings an 11-8 overall record and a 3-3 SEC ledger into Lexington. The Rebels have shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency on the road. A notable subplot involves former Kentucky high school standout Travis Perry—the all-time leading scorer in Kentucky boys high school basketball history—who transferred to Ole Miss after last season. Perry’s return to Rupp Arena as an opponent adds emotional intrigue, especially given his familiarity with the building and its crowd.

The matchup pits Kentucky’s recent home-court dominance and physical style against Ole Miss’ need to find rhythm away from Oxford. The earlier tipoff introduces minor logistical challenges—shifted shootarounds, compressed routines, and a still-waking arena—but Kentucky’s familiarity with Rupp should provide an edge.

Practical Tips for Fans Attending- **Travel Planning**: Leave home well before 9:00 a.m. if coming from outside Lexington. Roads may ice over early; check WKYT, LEX18, or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for real-time updates on closures and conditions.- **Parking & Entry**: Tailgating is discouraged due to weather. Arrive early for official lots; shuttles from remote parking may operate on adjusted schedules.- **Inside the Arena**: Expect cooler temperatures upon entry—dress in layers.

Concessions open at door time.- **If You Can’t Make It**: The game streams live on ESPN platforms, and UK Athletics will post updates via social media and the official app if conditions warrant further adjustments.

### Practical Tips for Fans Attending- **Travel Planning**: Leave home well before 9:00 a.m. if coming from outside Lexington. Roads may ice over early; check WKYT, LEX18, or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for real-time updates on closures and conditions.- **Parking & Entry**: Tailgating is discouraged due to weather. Arrive early for official lots; shuttles from remote parking may operate on adjusted schedules.- **Inside the Arena**: Expect cooler temperatures upon entry—dress in layers.

Concessions open at door time.- **If You Can’t Make It**: The game streams live on ESPN platforms, and UK Athletics will post updates via social media and the official app if conditions warrant further adjustments.

The SEC and both programs have emphasized safety above all, and this one-hour shift reflects that commitment. As Kentucky looks to push their streak to five games and strengthen their SEC positioning, and Ole Miss seeks a signature road win, the 11:00 a.m. ET start sets up an early, high-stakes showdown in one of college basketball’s most storied venues.

Stay safe out there, monitor local forecasts, and cheer loud for the Cats. Tipoff is confirmed: 11:00 a.m. ET. Go Big Blue!

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