Rupp Arena is preparing to host basketball for the first time since the Girls High School Sweet 16 was shut down due to the outbreak of the coronavirus in the state. Kentucky’s Basketball Bluegrass Showcase will be played this week starting with Kentucky and Morehead State Wednesday.
Rupp Arena was required to work with the governor’s office, the Kentucky Department of Public Health, and industry professionals on a reopening plan.
Also included are two December concerts by Brantley Gilbert on December 8 and Three 6 Mafia on December 11.
Some of the new event protocols include:
– Reduced capacity of 15%, meaning ample parking directly across from Rupp Arena in the High Street parking lots;
– Entry on the west side of the arena via the corridor connecting the new convention center to the arena;
– Mobile-only tickets sold online exclusively at Ticketmaster.com;
– Mobile tickets presented on phones at the turnstile;
– Required health screening questions and temperature checks before entry;
– Social distancing in the seating areas;
– Required face masks except when eating or drinking in your designated seat;
– Stickers designating socially distanced spacing for lines at the entry or concession stands;
– Cashless transactions encouraged at concession stands;
– Patrons may only bring one clear bag (no larger than 12″x12″x6″) or one small clutch purse (no larger than 4″x4″x1″), and to avoid additional touchpoints, patrons are encouraged to leave unnecessary items at home;
– Gatherings of eight or more people on the concourse prohibited
– Enhanced sanitation procedures before and during events.
Governor Andy Beshear said Monday at his media briefing that colleges and pro stadiums are among the best in enforcing social distancing rules. However, he did say no food or drink would be served in Rupp Arena per the guidelines, which contradicts the information released by Rupp Arena earlier in the day.
If the governor is correct, that’s going to mean a lot of people wanting soft serve ice cream in Rupp Arena are going to be upset by the guidelines.
