Kentucky Wildcats History
Rupp Arena Second Page
The new portable basketball court, adorned with the official interlocking
UK logo at midcourt, was designed by both UK officials and the Lexington
Center Corporation. Robbins, Inc., in Cincinnati constructed it in 2001
at a cost of $125,000. When assembled, it lies 118 feet below the ceiling
and is made of a high-grade northern maple. The floor can be removed
and an ice rink can be constructed for ice shows or hockey games thanks
to a $2.5 million renovation during
the summer of ’96.
But the playing surface is just one aspect of the impressive home
of the Cats. Situated in downtown Lexington, Rupp Arena has played
host to several premier basketball events. In March of 1985, all roads
led to Lexington for the NCAA Final Four as Villanova shocked Georgetown
in a memorable finale.
In 1986, Rupp played host to both the Southeastern Conference Tournament
and the NCAA Women’s Final Four. On numerous other occasions, the arena
has served as one stop en route to the NCAA title game.
An awesome structure in sight and scope, the arena is divided into
two seating areas. The lower level features 10,000 cushioned theater
seats. The upper level has 13,000 seats on epoxy-coated metal bleachers.
The latter can be visually isolated to provide more natural setting
for small shows.
Built by the city of Lexington, the arena is the major portion of
the $53 million Lexington Center complex, which includes an expanded
convention-exhibition hall, a 50-store tri-level enclosed shopping
mall and a Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The arena is equipped with a specially designed sound system nicknamed
“Big Bertha,” and features high-level lighting for events and television
coverage.
The Wildcats command an exclusive locker room 365 days a year, while
other amenities include six team-size dressing rooms and eight smaller
units.
In January 2001, the arena unveiled four new video boards, each 12’6”
by 20’ in size and mounted in each corner. It allowed the Wildcats to
utilize a new “lights out” introduction, featuring a video presentation
and indoor fireworks.
In 2002, the Athletics Association began selling endowment seats
courtside. The 28 front-row seats will endow all 13 men’s basketball
scholarships.
The
Teams of Tradition
Web Author:
Sharp Labs Inc.™
Try A search In Google Now!
Try A search
In Yahoo Now!
Copyright Sharp Labs Inc.,
U.S.A.
"ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED"
|
