Home » FINAL FOUR: Louisville mayor declares world record for wearing red

FINAL FOUR: Louisville mayor declares world record for wearing red

Cards fans respond to call for Friday “red out” to support team in Final Four
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 30, 2012) – Calling it yet another example of the community’s “incredible spirit,” Mayor Greg Fischer today declared that University of Louisville Cardinal fans led the city to setting a world’s record for people wearing red in a single day.
“We have no idea what the existing record was — or even if there was a previous record — but we know we smashed it,” Fischer said. “You can’t go anywhere today without running into a sea of red.”
Fischer noted that fans were flying the UofL colors on their vehicles and outside their homes. Many workers throughout the community wore red Friday, including most staff of the Mayor’s office. (Yes, a few misguided souls wore blue).
Hanging just outside the Mayor’s office in Louisville Metro Hall is a large red banner made by 82-year-old Shirley Sullivan. She made the banner when U of L won the national championship in 1980.  It originally hung at the county clerk’s office, where she worked. In 1986, it was hung at City Hall when Louisville won its second national title. She’s loaned it to the city to hang once again, in hopes of another national title.
“I know there will be an impressive second wave of red when we welcome the Cards back from New Orleans with a third national championship,” Fischer said.
Tongue firmly in cheek, Fischer added. “Some have criticized me for being overly partisan toward the Cardinals. I remind them that I am the mayor of Louisville, not Lexington. There is a time for political correctness. This is not that time.”

Fischer predicted Louisville would beat Kentucky 62-58 in Saturday’s semi-final game, then win the national title game by about 12 points.

Fischer concluded, “I realize we are underdogs, but I believe in Coach Pitino and UofL. Go Cards!”