Upgrades Coming to Rupp Arena after 2018-19 Season
Kentucky announced the plans to make Rupp Arena a better overall experience for fans beginning with the 2019-20 season.
The original plans were announced when UK agreed to a new lease in December 2016, but we now know when they will go into motion. Chair back seating will be installed in the upper level and new club areas will be added to Rupp Arena starting in 2019-20.
Rupp Arena has already undergone changes the last few years. A new video scoreboard, ribbon boards, new sound system, and lighting have all been installed the last two-three years. All have improved the game experience of attending games at Rupp Arena.
“Rupp Arena has long been hallowed ground, home to the greatest tradition in college basketball and the best fans in the world,” said UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. “We are in the midst of an effort to make one of the most special venues in all of sports even better with chair-back seating in the upper level and new club areas, answering feedback we have heard from our fans.”
Chair back seating will be installed in sections 211-217 and 228-234 over the next couple of seasons. Construction will begin after the 2018-19 season. The seating at Rupp Arena will remain the same for the upcoming 2018-19 season.
After renovations, Rupp Arena’s capacity will be approximately 20,500. The changes will remove 3,000 seats from the venue but the overall experience will be better. With the recent trend in attendance around the country, a more accommodating arena is the best plan.
Kentucky head coach John Calipari also commented on the changes coming to Rupp Arena.
“I think our fans are really going to enjoy these upgrades,” Calipari said on social media. “Rupp Arena has long been the gold standard in college basketball and this is another step in making sure it stays that way. I may even make my way to the upper level and try out the new chair-backs. LOL.”
So, what do you think about the new plan? If you want to read more about it, head over to UK Athletics at the link below.
[UK Athletics]
