“We are extremely proud to announce this continued relationship with L&N Federal Credit Union, a very well respected company,” Heird said. “From the beginning of this process, we have been very strategic with how we chose our naming rights gift. We wanted an entity that was aligned with our mission statement and invested in the community and the university. We’ve found that and more with the L&N Federal Credit Union and their leadership team. We are extremely grateful for their continued investment in our student-athletes and our athletic department and look forward to enhancing our partnership for years to come.”

Now 69 years later, the credit union has nearly $2 billion in assets and serves over 109,000 people with their personal and business banking needs including; home mortgages, consumer loans, commercial loans, free online/mobile banking, free checking and more.

This is a homecoming of sorts. In 1954, the credit union was founded to serve the L&N Railroad workers in Louisville – on the exact spot where the football stadium now sits. For 90 years, the old L&N Railroad had its South Louisville Shops located there, and it was from those employees, and their families, that the L&N Federal Credit Union got its start. Appropriately, the original train horn from the site is still in use today, and is heard every time the Cardinals score a touchdown. Eventually the credit union changed its charter to serve everyone in the Louisville Metropolitan Area.��

Those new features include:��

Expedited point-of-entry
To assist in expediting the gate entry process, new pedestal ticket scanners will be installed at the two busiest gates (2 and 4). Walk-thru security will also be implemented, using stationary magnetic scanners, replacing the handheld/manual scanners from previous seasons. Fans can now keep phones in hand and keys/wallets in pockets.
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WiFi connectivity
A $5 million investment was made towards installing WiFi access for fans to improve their gameday wireless experience, allowing fans to not only have use of the free Wi-Fi system but also enjoy more in-venue digital engagement opportunities. “CardinalsWiFi” will be available inside the stadium
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Club space upgrades

A generous $4-million gift from Angel’s Envy led the way towards renovating the former Brown & Williamson Club located on the west side of the stadium into the expansive 18,000-square feet Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club. The renovated club was officially unveiled last week. Learn more��.
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Concessions improvements
In an effort to improve concessions, grab-and-go stations labeled “On the Fly” have been installed in key areas to make high-demand options more readily available to assist in reducing wait times. Other fan-favorite concessions offerings will include the introduction of 4-dollar beer options in select spaces throughout the concourse and the return of half-priced drinks from the times gates open until kickoff as part of “Happy Hour and a Half.” Additionally, a complimentary concessions item is now available during certain times of each game in all club spaces.

Returning features

Also, features returning this year include mobile ticketing (gocards.com/cardsmobile); clear bag policy; parking lots opening five hours prior to kickoff; Card March Tailgating provided by RevelXP; and The Alley by Buffalo Construction, Inc.��

Michael Bush to be honored��

Michael Bush, one of the school’s all-time leading rushers, will have his No. 19 jersey honored at the Florida State game on Friday night. It will be the 26th jersey to be celebrated in program history.

The Louisville native, played for the Cardinals from 2003-06 and guided the Cardinals to three-straight bowl appearances, including a win over No. 10 Boise State in the 2004 Liberty Bowl. He rushed 12 times for 96 yards in the win over the Broncos. The Cardinals finished that season 11-1 and captured a Conference USA title.

One of the most highly recruited players to ever sign with the Cardinals, Bush��rushed for 2,508 yards, which still stands eighth all-time in school history, while his 39 career touchdowns are third-most in school history. As a receiver out of the backfield, Bush caught 50 passes for 651 yards and two touchdowns during his three seasons with the Cardinals.

The former Male High product was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round, and played four years for the Raiders and two with the Chicago Bears. Over his six-year NFL stint, Bush rushed 3,250 yards rushing with 29 touchdowns and 1,010 yards receiving with two touchdowns. His best season came in 2011 with the Raiders when he ran for 977 yards and seven scores.��

Red Out

Finally, Friday’s game against Florida State will be a Red Out and Educator Appreciation Day. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.��

• A new steel mezzanine with a double staircase, which connects the club levels, has been added to the center of the room, as an abstract Cardinal sculpture flies above the new structure.
• New steel and glass handrails line the fourth floor and mezzanine.
• Large LED screens flank each end of the club, with new televisions and audio system added throughout the space.
• New extended main bars positioned at each end of the club, with private speakeasy bars tucked away at each end.
• A highlighted focus in the center of the club is the massive K-RAX-built custom bourbon barrel storage system, generously gifted to the project by the Koetter Group Inc.
• New gathering furniture and soft seating have been added. Custom artwork and branding reflect the history of Cardinals Football.
• New finishing upgrades have been added such as flooring, paint, wallcovering and light fixtures throughout the space and at the concession and condiment stations.
• Renovated elevator lobbies and restrooms on the third and fourth floor.

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“We’re so excited to share Angel’s Envy with the many Cardinal fans, alumni and guests who will visit Cardinal Stadium this football season, especially those who will join us in the Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club,” said Gigi DaDan, Angel’s Envy general manager. “Through this partnership with the University of Louisville Athletic Association and Cardinal Stadium, as well as our recent $8.2 million expansion to our downtown Louisville Brand Home, Angel’s Envy is proud to continue to invest in our hometown and support our local community.”
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The club, which spans the length of the football field, is a popular gathering place for fans at UofL football games, and the space is also used throughout the year for various events such as weddings, job fairs, conferences, meetings, awards dinners, registrations for car shows, bridal shows and others. The massive club can accommodate up to 1,500 for receptions, 1,000 in a theatre setting and 700 for banquets.

Following extensive in-season and post-season surveying of all ticket members, the athletics department has used fan feedback to affect change beginning with the following key areas in Cardinal Stadium: Wi-Fi connectivity, club space upgrades, expedited point of entry and concessions improvements.
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“These efforts are just the beginning. We know that the gameday experience must be evaluated through the eyes of our fans. Our fans’ input is invaluable, and it is imperative that we listen — even when it isn’t fun to hear — and turn that input into action. For me, it’s a non-negotiable that our commitment to evolve how we operate matches Card Nation’s commitment and devoted passion for our team,” said interim Director of Athletics Josh Heird.��

Topping the list of concerns was adding increased wireless connectivity throughout Cardinal Stadium. The athletics department has invested over $5 million to install Wi-Fi access for fans to improve their game day wireless experience. UofL is working with AmpThink on this expansive installation that will allow fans to not only have use of the free Wi-Fi system, but also allow for more in-venue digital engagement opportunities during the game. Officials anticipate this project to be completed in time for the home opener on Sept. 16 versus Florida State.

With the generosity of a $4 million dollar gift from Angel’s Envy, the department has invested additional funding to fully renovate the former Brown & Williamson Club, located on the west side of the stadium. The expansive 18,000 square feet Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club will feature modern technology, unique gathering spaces and elevated furnishings and finishes that honor Louisville’s rich bourbon heritage. Elements that represent the Cardinals’ proud football history and Angel’s Envy distinct art deco identity will round out the club’s aesthetic.��Beyond football game days, this one-of-a-kind space will again become available for community and corporate event rentals starting this fall.

To assist in expediting the gate entry process, new pedestal ticket scanners will be installed to improve entry at the three busiest gates at Cardinal Stadium — Gates 2, 3 and 4. Additionally, walk-thru security will be implemented, using stationary magnetic scanners, replacing the handheld/manual scanners from previous seasons.

In effort to improve concessions availability, Grab and Go Stations will be installed in key areas of the stadium concourses, making high-demand options more readily available to assist in reducing wait times. Additionally, a complimentary concession item for each game will be available during certain times of the game in all club spaces.

Season ticket memberships are available now for the 2022-23 season. UofL’s season ticket membership model aims to provide increased value and exclusive perks for members beyond the game ticket. Perks include access to member-only experiences and services. Visit gocards.com/fbstm for more information.

In appreciation of the donation that will be paid over 10 years, the Cardinal Stadium space currently known as the Brown & Williamson Club will be renamed as the “Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club.” The funds will be used to renovate the 18,000 square-foot club, which has not seen any significant upgrade since the stadium opened in 1997.
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“We are sincerely appreciative of Angel’s Envy’s gift and interest in becoming the naming rights sponsor for the club,” said Vince Tyra, UofL athletics director. “We will now partner with Angel’s Envy to design and build one of the most unique event spaces in the city of Louisville. Our fans will enjoy a high-end club for gameday activities while our campus and community will enjoy a terrific event venue. I want to also acknowledge and thank British American Tobacco for availing us the opportunity to rename the Brown & Williamson Club.”
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UofL is in the process of planning the club renovation and intends to begin the makeover in late November at the conclusion of the 2021 home football schedule. UofL has issued a request for proposal to select a design/build firm to plan and execute the renovation and construction of the space. Renovations are slated to be complete by the 2022 football home opener on September 24, 2022. Visitors will now be able to order and enjoy Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels throughout Cardinal Stadium.��

“We’re excited to share the Angel’s Envy story with the Cardinal fans, alumni, guests and visitors who come to the stadium year after year,” said Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy co-founder and chief innovation officer. “As a company with proud downtown Louisville roots, we can’t wait to engage with the many fans who continue to connect with, root for and celebrate our hometown.”

When Cardinal Stadium was built, Brown & Williamson Tobacco had secured the naming rights for the west club space. The long-time Louisville-based tobacco company exited Louisville in 2003 and was absorbed by British American Tobacco. After a two-year negotiation with British American Tobacco, the Board of Directors relinquished the naming rights and returned them to UofL to extend to another community partner or donor.
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While the club, which spans the length of the football field, is a popular gathering place for fans at UofL football games, the space is used throughout the year for multiple events. This club space has been utilized for weddings, job fairs, conferences, meetings, awards dinners, registrations for car shows, bridal shows and many other events. The club can accommodate up to 1,500 for receptions, 1,000 in a theatre setting and 700 for banquets.
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Thanks to a multi-year contribution commitment of construction and services valued at $850,000 from Buffalo Construction Inc., The Alley, will open Sept. 11, just in time for the home Cardinal Football home opener against Eastern Kentucky.����

Located on South Floyd Street directly across from the entrance into Cardinal Stadium, The Alley will provide a unique game day destination, including an expansive courtyard with the ability to accommodate thousands of fans, turf greens for yard games, live entertainment, drink options and food trucks.��

“We are fans too,” said Vince Tyra, UofL’s director of Athletics. “We know that the game day experience goes far beyond the actual game. We want to help create destinations and foster more traditions for our fans. The Alley is just one more example. I’m so thankful to our friends at Buffalo Construction Inc. are as committed to our success as we are.”

Free and open to all fans, The Alley will open four hours prior to kickoff and will close approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the game encouraging fans to be inside the stadium prior to kickoff. The facility will be open for one hour after the game as well.

Premium Memberships will also be available that will provide fans access to an indoor, climate-controlled space and features a catered meal and access to premium bar options.��

The Alley is also the site of the former tailgating club, Cardinal Alley. Former Cardinal Alley Club members will be offered first access to purchase the VIP Membership pass, but additional fans can be added to the waiting list by contacting Sam Robey in the Cardinal Athletic Fund at��SamR@GoCards.com.

Additional improvements coming to Cardinal Stadium this season are as follows:

• Wifi:��The athletics department will begin a phased approach to enhance wifi capability to Cardinal Stadium to meet the long-awaited needs for cellular connectivity on game day.
• Honored jerseys:��A new look to celebrate Honored Jerseys will be a significant improvement to Cardinal Stadium over the season. A 400-foot LED Board will be installed on the east side of the side stadium and will highlight UofL’s 23 honorees and its bowl appearances. The department plans to have it fully installed by the Oct. 9 game versus Virginia.��
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Fans who purchase season tickets have the opportunity to utilize extended, interest-free payment plan options. Additional stadium gates constructed in Cardinal Stadium last year will aid fans with their ease of entry into the stadium.
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In addition to its seven-game home schedule, the Cardinals will open their season on Sept. 6 in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against Ole Miss.��Tickets may be purchased through the UofL ticket office at����ranging from lower level seats to all-inclusive club options. Season ticket holders have exclusive access to a 50 percent offer through their “.”

2021 Louisville Football Schedule��

The ceremonies on May 7 and May 8 were held for the first time at Cardinal Stadium. They included not only Spring 2021 graduates but members of the class of 2020, whose commencement exercises had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each graduate was allowed to invite eight guests, whose seats were scattered around the stadium to allow for recommended social distancing. Graduates sat on the field in chairs set 6 feet apart.

Although there was no student procession and no handshakes were allowed, graduates and their guests cheered, waved and took photographs to mark the occasion. Graduates were each individually recognized as they walked across the stage, many flashing their “Ls” and waving at the livestream camera that allowed the ceremonies to be broadcast around the world on UofL’s YouTube channel.��

UofL President Neeli Bendapudi told the audiences the period that started in March 2020 put resiliency to the test.

“To many, this has been the longest year, the longest year,” she said. “The time when time stood still. When days became indistinguishable from one another and when screen fatigue became real.”

Planning for the outdoor ceremonies began in January. The Commencement Planning Committee met weekly to ensure the ceremonies would celebrate achievements while adhering to safety standards recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All plans were approved by the governor’s office.

“You are among less than 7% of the population of the world that has at least a bachelor’s degree,” Bendapudi told the graduates. “That’s an achievement and a reason to be grateful. Your degrees are from a Research 1 university, that puts you as graduating from a college that is in the top 3% of all colleges and universities in the country. Your degree is from the United States of America. For all its flaws and shortcomings, this is still the beacon of hope around the world.”

Bendapudi provided senators with current information on the mass COVID-19 vaccination site located in the purple lot of Cardinal Stadium. The 28-lane vaccination location, which estimates a 10-minute wait time for scheduled vaccine recipients, is currently open to anyone from Kentucky over the age of 16. Information on vaccination appointment scheduling at any of the four Louisville area locations can be found through the UofL Health website .

“You should be proud of your university for stepping up and doing this for the community,” Bedapudi said.

Benapudi also responded to senators’ concerns about the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The one-dose vaccine was provided through UofL Health in the beginning of April, but current administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been suspended by the CDC and the FDA pending an investigation into some rare cases of blood clotting.��

“Out of the 6.3 million vaccinations, there were about six people who developed blood clots. It truly is one in a million, but that doesn’t mean it’s trivial. The CDC is putting out information, and we will be sure to share that,” Bendapudi said.

At present, UofL Health is only administering the Pfizer vaccine and will stay informed of the CDC guidelines and recommendations concerning the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Those who receive the vaccine and develop severe headaches, blurred vision, slurred speech, leg swelling or severe abdominal roughly one to two weeks after administration are encouraged to contact their health provider or Campus Health Services. Additional information was shared through a university-wide update on April 14, which can be found .

Jennifer Steier, chair of the Credentials and Nominations Committee for the Staff Senate, shared the results of the committee’s proportion calculations for senate seat distribution among departments. The J.B. Speed School of Engineering, the School of Dentistry, the School of ����ֱ��, the School of Business, the Office of the Executive Vice President of Research and the Office of the President gained one seat; the Office of the Provost gained two seats. The Chief Operating Officer lost two seats, the VP of Health Affairs lost one seat and the School of Medicine lost five seats.

A total of 49 seats will be up for election in 2021, and 50 seats will be vacant in 2022. Applications for Staff Senate are currently closed. Additional information on the Staff Senate voting process will be presented at the May Staff Senate meeting.

The Staff Grievance Committee reported one grievance since the last full Staff Senate meeting. The hearing committee is being led by Barbara Bishop, the committee vice chair, and interviews concerning that matter are currently ongoing.

Committee reports and a of the virtual meeting can be found on the . The next Staff Senate meeting will be held on May 11 via Microsoft Teams.