The Wildcats will open the 2022 season versus No. 28 Ball State on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, live on SEC Network in the return of Excite Night to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. The contest will mark the program's yearly meet following a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regardless of vaccination status, all guests, staff and vendors will be required to wear a mask while inside Rupp Arena. Fans will not be required to show proof of vaccination to enter Rupp Arena, but face coverings the nose and mouth, are required for all fans as they watch the game from their assigned seat and enter, exit and move around Rupp Arena. Children 2and younger will not be required to wear a mask.

The clear bag policy (UKathletics.com/ClearBag) is in place at Rupp Arena.