Who We Are

Serving and supporting the athletic programs of the University of Kentucky since 1966, The Committee of 101 is nationally recognized as the premier athletic service group in all of college sports. Commonly known as the “blue coats” by many fans, the 101 can be seen at all University of Kentucky football and basketball home games greeting fans, taking tickets, working security, or helping fans with seating. In addition, The Committee of 101 can be seen at many UK women’s basketball, gymnastic or baseball games throughout the year.

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Our Origins

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"Now isn’t that nice of them,” Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp said, handing a telegram to breakfast companions during a road trip south. “I wonder how much it cost them.”

That telegram, wishing the nation’s No. 1 basketball team luck in 1966, was signed by 101 persons who chipped in 10 cents each to pay for the telegram. Most of those signing the telegraph were employees of Lexington based IBM. The idea to form a University of Kentucky Basketball Booster Organization was first proposed at an informal meeting of ten (10) UK fans in February of 1966 while obtaining those 101 telegram signatures.

A similar telegram was sent the next week followed by a trip to the airport to greet the team after a loss at Tennessee.  The first general meeting of the group was held on March 2, 1966. During this initial meeting the first Executive Board was elected and the name, The Committee of 101 was approved. It was also decided to present an annual Award for Assists at the UK Basketball Banquet. A second general meeting was held on March 9, 1966 as the group approved the Constitution and By-Laws of the organization. The response and acceptance throughout the community and the UK Athletic family was immediate and heartening.  The organization incorporated on February 2, 1968. 

The group agreed to limit the membership to only 101 members with no additional memberships accepted except to fill a vacancy. However, as the organization’s role expanded to support football and other sports programs the membership needed to increase. By 1968 the total membership of the organization had grown to 190 members.

Today, The Committee of 101 is comprised of approximately three hundred working members who volunteer their time and support for the University of Kentucky athletic programs by serving in whatever role the athletic department needs. The organization proudly gives back to the university in the form of scholarship endowments and gifts, as well as support for building projects and community charities and foundations.

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** The Committee of 101, Inc does not in its membership or assignment practices discriminate on the basis of sex, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, social or economic status, or smoker or nonsmoker status as long as the person complies with the Constitution, By-Laws and policies and regulations of this organization