Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center is a 20,500-seat arena in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, and one of the most storied basketball venues in the United States. Named after legendary University of Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp, the arena opened on October 17, 1976, and has served as the home court of the UK Wildcats men's basketball program for nearly five decades. At its opening, it was considered the largest facility dedicated to basketball in the country, and Lawrence Welk performed the inaugural concert to a crowd of over 20,000. The arena is part of the Central Bank Center, a convention and entertainment complex owned by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, located adjacent to the Lexington Hyatt and Hilton hotels. The lower level features 10,000 cushioned theatre seats, while the upper level holds 10,500 seats including chairback sections installed during a 2019 renovation. Unlike many arenas built in subsequent decades, Rupp Arena was originally designed without luxury suites. The student standing-room section behind one goal, known as the eRUPPtion Zone, is a distinctive feature. Rupp Arena has undergone several major upgrades throughout its history. A 2001 renovation added four oversized video boards, new lower-bowl seating, new locker rooms, and a new playing court. A $15.8 million project completed in 2015 introduced a centre-hung scoreboard, advertising ribbon boards, and wireless internet for fans. The most significant transformation was a $310 million renovation and expansion completed in 2022, which added a modern glass-and-metal facade, expanded concourses, modernised restrooms, new hospitality spaces, and a public plaza. The arena set its attendance record of 24,480 on January 2, 2010, for a Kentucky-Louisville rivalry game. Over the years, Rupp Arena has hosted NCAA Tournament games, SEC championship matches, concerts by major touring artists, conventions, and family shows. Located at 432 West Vine Street, it remains one of the highest-capacity basketball arenas in the country and a pillar of Kentucky's cultural identity.

Type: Stadium / Arena

Address: 430 West Vine St., Lexington, KY, United States, 40507

Website: https://www.centralbankcenter.com/rupp-arena

Capacity: 20500

Opening Date: 01/01/1976