Editor’s Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history — some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange.

On March 22, 1975, the UK and IU rivalry was ramping up to an epic showdown.

The unbeaten Indiana University Hoosiers were facing off against the University of Kentucky Wildcats in Dayton, Ohio. It was more than just a game — it was personal.

Months before, IU men’s basketball coach Bobby Knight had slapped Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall on the back of the head after the Hoosiers beat the Wildcats by more than 20 points, in a moment that’s sti

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