As the University of Kentucky prepares to celebrate 25 years at Rupp Arena, Athletics Director Larry Ivy shares his thoughts on the history and future of Rupp Arena.
Larry Ivy Quotes
“There are 25 years of memories in Rupp Arena. There have been a lot of great victories and a lot of great games played in that facility.”
“We are currently in negotiations as to whether we continue to play in Rupp Arena. We have done a feasibility study about building an on-campus facility and found out that we could in fact afford to do that. However, we are hoping that the negotiations we are currently engaged in with the Lexington Corporation will work out so that we will stay at Rupp Arena.”
“I am looking at several renovation possibilities. Rupp is an old building. It is tired and it needs a facelift. I see a significant amount of dollars going into the renovation.”
“We have talked about everything from going into the upper arena and expanding restroom and concession facilities. We have talked about putting video screens in the four corners of the upper deck. One thing we are going to insist on is to put in all blue seats. We have also talked about moving the entrance to High Street, where you will be able to walk directly into Rupp Arena.”
“Some renovations will possibility be done this season, such as video boards, but any extensive renovation will have to be done at the conclusion of this season.”
“I am very optimistic. We’ve had a great relationship with those folks. Sometimes we butt heads about practice times and such, because they have a bottom line they have to meet with the events they bring in, but we understand where they are coming from and I think they understand our position. It has been agreeable on both sides. The mayor has been very supportive of negotiations and keeping our basketball team downtown.”
“We think there is a unique atmosphere surrounding Kentucky basketball games at Rupp Arena. There are many restaurants and shops that people come down to visit before and after games. We think that is unique in college basketball and we hope to maintain that atmosphere.”
