Vicky Graff Photo
Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart showed off what the $82 million renovation of Memorial Coliseum looked like Friday morning to media members and made sure to emphasize that for the first time the 74-year-old facility would have air conditioning.
“Welcome to not having to sweat when you come to Memorial Coliseum,” Barnhart said.
Kentucky volleyball has an exhibition match scheduled Aug. 23 and will play its home opener Aug. 30 against Northern Kentucky.
“No plan B. “We’ve got to be ready to go. I think that they’re on task and they’ve worked hard,” Barnhart said. “These things are difficult because you get into them and everything’s going along, and all of a sudden something happens and you’ve got to be sure to go right for a bit. Then you come back to the plan.”
One half of the arena has chair back seats while the other half has new bench seating. There are new locker rooms along with other changes that will benefit all UK teams that play in Memorial.
“I think our coaches are just excited to be able to give our fans a better experience,” Barnhart said. “Hopefully that encourages people to come and be a part of what we think are four really dynamic, exciting teams that play in this facility.”
Barnhart said 1,100 fans have made deposits for women’s basketball season tickets thanks to the excitement generated by new coach Kenny Brooks and almost 1,600 fans have made deposits for tickets for women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and stunt.
Memorial Coliseum
Photos by Vicky Graff
3 Responses
History of the legendary UK Basketball program is housed in Memorial Coliseum. A special place in which many wonderful memories were etched into the memory bank of UK students & fans since 1950. My first visit was in the late 50’s with my dear ole Dad and I’m so glad it still stands today.
Memorial Coliseum is restored and now the UK BB program is in restoration. UK BB History & UK BB Future are positioned for a renewed national recognition.
Coach Rupp, National Champs he orchestrated & dozens of of the best UK players in history make it one of the most famous buildings in the USA. I saw all-time greats Jerry West, Jerry Lucas, Pete Maravich & many more play in Memorial Coliseum.
Rupp Arena began when Joe B. Hall carried the UK BB legend forward and it got restored by Rick Pitino who was the last coach to build a Champion with sustainability (but quickly torn down after Pitino players self-coached UK to the 1998 title.
Now, finally, UK BB is once again in the hands of a genuine coach who will coach FOR the WildCats without any other agenda. The next few seasons of rebuilding the program to its once great status may have some bumps, but the goal & eventual achievement will not waver.
UK is back !!!
Memorial Coliseum is restored and now the BB program is in restoration. UK BB History & UK BB Future are positioned for a renewed national recognition.
Fond memories for me as well. Dad drove me over as a tike – was in awe of the place. Remember a few things explicitly – seeing a UGA tackle making his way was across the street soaked in sweat and blood after a game @ Stoll Field – seeing UK go 13/13 in my freshman year with All Americans Riley & Dampier on the team ?? – my first date with my wife sitting in the upstairs balcony and sadly chatting with fraternity brother ( Bad Boy Bob McCowan ) before the game and him telling me he would “ hold that floppy haired Pistol Pete to less than 20 “ Pete got 63 and we won !
Think about all those things every time I’m in Lexington.
I enjoyed your memories.. I also was a freshmen when Bob Talent transferred to UK and the All-Americans Riley & Dampier went 13-13 because the chemistry was broken down – that transfer was more costly than the graduation of Kron & Conley.
That season was when Issel, Pratt & Casey were freshmen and going early to watch the freshmen team was amazing.
Issel averaged about 30 ppg his senior season but Pistol was over 40. Otherwise Big Dan would have gotten more attention.
Enjoy the upcoming season as the real UK WikdCats are revived!