New Rupp Arena Design Approved by the City

[WildcatRick]

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/1mc1taaust79-500x365.jpg (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/1mc1taaust79.jpg)

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/optimized-spacegroup_rupp_arena_street-view_mir_lowres-1-500x230.jpg (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/optimized-spacegroup_rupp_arena_street-view_mir_lowres-1.jpg)

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/spacegroup_rupparena_aerial-rendering-rev1-500x376.jpg (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/spacegroup_rupparena_aerial-rendering-rev1.jpg)
Financing and timing is still to be determined. But above is the look at the outside of the new renovated Rupp Arena design approved by the Lexington Task Force. More later….

KSR (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=102963)

[RP_McMurphy]

Looks like a Boil.

[rainman]

I'm just glad it doesn't look like a FISH!!

[RP_McMurphy]

It has the look and smell of failure. UK and Lexington looked victory in the face. Instead they backed down and went with the lower option. Can anyone show me a rehab of a stadium or arena that didn't get eventually replaced in 20-30 years.

[DenCat]

It has the look and smell of failure. UK and Lexington looked victory in the face. Instead they backed down and went with the lower option. Can anyone show me a rehab of a stadium or arena that didn't get eventually replaced in 20-30 years.

Ok, here is a question for you. Where does the money come from for a "brand new" arena? The state doesn't have it, the city of Lexington doesn't have it and the university doesn't have it. If you went the private donor route, then you would have to find a place to build it (more money needed). If it were a university owned building, what other events would you hold there? Basketball alone would not pay for it.


I'm all for a new arena, but I just can't see where the money would come from.

[TrueblueCATfan]

Ok, here is a question for you. Where does the money come from for a "brand new" arena? The state doesn't have it, the city of Lexington doesn't have it and the university doesn't have it. If you went the private donor route, then you would have to find a place to build it (more money needed). If it were a university owned building, what other events would you hold there? Basketball alone would not pay for it.


I'm all for a new arena, but I just can't see where the money would come from.

where did Louisville get it for the Yum center

[TrueblueCATfan]

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/1mc1taaust79-500x365.jpg (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/1mc1taaust79.jpg)

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/optimized-spacegroup_rupp_arena_street-view_mir_lowres-1-500x230.jpg (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/optimized-spacegroup_rupp_arena_street-view_mir_lowres-1.jpg)

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/spacegroup_rupparena_aerial-rendering-rev1-500x376.jpg (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/spacegroup_rupparena_aerial-rendering-rev1.jpg)
Financing and timing is still to be determined. But above is the look at the outside of the new renovated Rupp Arena design approved by the Lexington Task Force. More later….

KSR (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=102963)

Well I love it

[West Coast Cat]

I think it looks fantastic....but will it really look like that when it is done....after all the cost cutting that is bound to happen.

[iHATEyourFACE]

I love it as well

[JimHalpert]

I gotta go with love it.

[lribookend]

I think it is a big improvement, at least on the exterior. I hope the inside renovation is well done, also. I agree with those who question where the big money would come from for a brand-new arena. Timing couldn't be worse for trying to get public funds. And I don't like the idea of a Burger King Arena or whatever, using corporate funding/branding. This will be a good 20-year solution. By then, many of the variables will have changed, and other options may make more sense.
Larry

[Sir Richard F. Burton]

Ok, here is a question for you. Where does the money come from for a "brand new" arena? The state doesn't have it, the city of Lexington doesn't have it and the university doesn't have it. If you went the private donor route, then you would have to find a place to build it (more money needed). If it were a university owned building, what other events would you hold there? Basketball alone would not pay for it.


I'm all for a new arena, but I just can't see where the money would come from.

To paraphrase Rick Pitino T Boone Pickens and Phil Knight ain't walking through that door. :) I agree with your points this is the best option available in the current economic environment.

[BigBlue75]

Cast my vote for liking it. It will look fantastic when it's finished.

[Bombastic Blue]

nm

[Dr. H Lecter]

At least it doesnt look like a desktop copier or fax machine. It will be amazing. I believe that we will begin to set the trend with a Camden Yard style renovation of Rupp. I think Louisville did the right thing for the city of Louisville (not little brother) in building a NBA style arena since the ultimate goal down the road is to lure an NBA team. THAT is not Lexingtons goal. With UK as its major tenant, building an amazing state of the art facility that speaks to tradition like we see with baseball stadium design, is what is necessary here. Building a sports bar with a basketball court somewhere in the middle is NOT the best outcome. Let Louisville have its Riverfront Stadium. We will take the Great American Ballpark.

[Bombastic Blue]

where did Louisville get it for the Yum center

They stole that money out of the wallets of the over-taxed. And we can't stand that anymore.

[Soldier1969]

some additional info:
http://www.kentucky.com/2011/12/17/1997718/lexington-committee-oks-design.html

[RP_McMurphy]

It's like trying to date a pretty girl. Do you give up after the first NO or do you keep trying. Aim low and you get low............that's what a renovation is to me.

[Matt Dillon]

Ok, here is a question for you. Where does the money come from for a "brand new" arena? The state doesn't have it, the city of Lexington doesn't have it and the university doesn't have it. If you went the private donor route, then you would have to find a place to build it (more money needed). If it were a university owned building, what other events would you hold there? Basketball alone would not pay for it.


I'm all for a new arena, but I just can't see where the money would come from.

:thumbup:

[Matt Dillon]

Cast my vote for liking it. It will look fantastic when it's finished.

:thumbup:

[lilproUK98]

It's like trying to date a pretty girl. Do you give up after the first NO or do you keep trying. Aim low and you get low............that's what a renovation is to me.

I agree, but what I think you are not considering is this isn't going to be your normal everyday "renovation". They're not just gonna slap some paint on it, rip up the bleachers and throw down some chair-back seats and call it a day. This is basically a re-build, re-invent, and total re-model. They are basically using the footprint and bones of the structure and rebuilding everything around it and on it. It will basically be a new arena on the same ground. If the outside of the new arena will actually look like this then the inside is going to be something else. I believe the people designing and assigned to "re-invent' Rupp are going to do something really special. I, like many many others was skeptical of a "renovation", but I like what I'm seeing so far....

[lighthouse]

I like it. But I have a question. Since the last home game is in early March, and the first home game is in mid November, is it possible to do all this renovation in 7 or 8 months? And if not, where would the Cats play?

[TrueblueCATfan]

City official said the entire project will take 10 to 20 years to complete

[lighthouse]

I just heard on News11, it will take 2 years to complete but nothing was said about where the Cats would play their home games.

[kynut]

I just heard on News11, it will take 2 years to complete but nothing was said about where the Cats would play their home games.

The mayor said at halftime of the game that they would do the renovation the way MSG was done......in two or three phases during the offseason which will allow the Cats to play there as usual. He also said they were using some of the same people that did the MSG renovation and they were experienced in doing it in steps to prevent any downtime during basketball season.

kynut

[Backrate]

I remember when rupp opened it was considered the best college hoops arena in the usa. we don't even have the best in the state today
if your willing to settle then u deserve what u get

[TrueblueCATfan]

The mayor said at halftime of the game that they would do the renovation the way MSG was done......in two or three phases during the offseason which will allow the Cats to play there as usual. He also said they were using some of the same people that did the MSG renovation and they were experienced in doing it in steps to prevent any downtime during basketball season.

kynut

I was at MSG for the Kansas game and I was very impressed with the rennovations they did there

[TrueblueCATfan]

I remember when rupp opened it was considered the best college hoops arena in the usa. we don't even have the best in the state today
if your willing to settle then u deserve what u get

we will when it is all done

[ukwebfan]

Making a definite opinion without seeing the interior borders on the asinine. Though a renovated Rupp that only caters to luxury suite occupants & largely ignores students and ordinary fans, won't go very far with me.

[surveyor]

It's like trying to date a pretty girl. Do you give up after the first NO or do you keep trying. Aim low and you get low............that's what a renovation is to me.

Horsepoop.

Rupp is already a crown jewel among basketball arenas.

That you've had horrid dating experiences doesn't translate to the arena renovations..................

[surveyor]

The quality of the interior renovations are far more mportant than the exterior.

As I've said before, it could look like a tobacco barn on the outside, so long as the interior is worthy of Rupp and UK basketball.

[Dwight Schrute]

The quality of the interior renovations are far more mportant than the exterior.

To quote you, horsepoop. The scope and focus of this project has always been what's best for downtown Lexington on the whole. The interior of the arena is probably priority C on the list.

[Watchtower]

I'm just curious about those who don't like the renovation. Do you have season tickets or live in Lexington? The reason I ask is because if you don't have tickets or you don't live in Lexington, it is very easy to demand a new arena because you won't be paying for it. I am glad Lexington has all that money to spend, but I am wondering if the voters in Lexington will have a say? It is always a fun thing to spend other peoples' money.

I think the renovation is a good compromise and I'm sure it will be first class all the way. However, it seems to me the great people of Fayette County should have the opportunity to decide where their tax dollars go. Since I gave up my season tickets when I moved to Florida and I no longer give money to UK because of lack of support for the football program, I don't have a dog in the fight. Whatever they do doesn't matter to me, but I would think that those who supposedly represent the people of Fayette County taxpayers would give some consideration to those and only those who will foot the bill.

[tauzreborn]

I don't see this as working out very well. No renovation goes as planned. When the initial estimates of 130 million were floated around, I knew it would be double that. So now we are at 260 million. When they actually start construction it will likely be over 300 million. It would not suprise me at all to see this then get close to 350 million and when it does, many people will wonder why we didn't just build new for 150 million more.

I would rather them wait another couple years and do it right rather than rush this thing.

[surveyor]

To quote you, horsepoop. The scope and focus of this project has always been what's best for downtown Lexington on the whole. The interior of the arena is probably priority C on the list.

Horse poop back at you. :icon_lol: (where's the dung flinging monkey icon when you need it)

The exterior is nothing but window dressing if the interior accomodations aren't up to standards of the top arenas in the country. The fan experience is due to what's inside - not standing outside looking at the facade..............

Making the interior space one of the top arenas in the country will do more for revitalizing business than just a pretty dress.

[Dwight Schrute]

Horse poop back at you. :icon_lol: (where's the dung flinging monkey icon when you need it)

The exterior is nothing but window dressing if the interior accomodations aren't up to standards of the top arenas in the country. The fan experience is due to what's inside - not standing outside looking at the facade..............

Making the interior space one of the top arenas in the country will do more for revitalizing business than just a pretty dress.

But the fan experience is going to be there regardless - it isn't as if the fans will stop showing up if the arena wasn't upgraded. If fan experience is truly the most important, then why not build a new arena and just say the hell with everything else?

[lilproUK98]

I don't see this as working out very well. No renovation goes as planned. When the initial estimates of 130 million were floated around, I knew it would be double that. So now we are at 260 million. When they actually start construction it will likely be over 300 million. It would not suprise me at all to see this then get close to 350 million and when it does, many people will wonder why we didn't just build new for 150 million more.

I would rather them wait another couple years and do it right rather than rush this thing.

The 260 million is for the entire project. Nothing has changed in the cost department. The final cost may go up some just because of inflation and timing etc, but the arena renovation itself is still at approx 130 million. They are using the basic blueprint used to renovate Rupp that was used for MSG, and from what I've read and seen, that renovation worked out great, so I'm not sure why you say that.

[Will Lavender]

The 260 million is for the entire project. Nothing has changed in the cost department. The final cost may go up some just because of inflation and timing etc, but the arena renovation itself is still at approx 130 million. They are using the basic blueprint used to renovate Rupp that was used for MSG, and from what I've read and seen, that renovation worked out great, so I'm not sure why you say that.

If it works out like it did with MSG, then it's going to be awesome. Because MSG is bar none the coolest place I have ever seen a basketball game.

[lilproUK98]

I'm not sure why some of you all are assuming that the interior will not be a main focus of the renovation. Just read the article about what is planned for the interior and think about what that will look like. The interior, IMO, will be every bit as good as the newest and best arenas in the country. They are basically rebuilding the entire arena from scratch, just keeping the main skeleton and building upon that.

[surveyor]

But the fan experience is going to be there regardless - it isn't as if the fans will stop showing up if the arena wasn't upgraded. If fan experience is truly the most important, then why not build a new arena and just say the hell with everything else?

The whole outcry by some for a new arena is due to the accomodations inside, not the asthetics outside.

I guarantee the bulk of the renovation dollars for Madison Square Gardens were interior - not exterior. The fan/spectator experience can only be positively enhanced from what it is now. Better seating, luxury boxes, better concessions, better concourses, mingling space. Those will be improvements to the fan experience as well as the spectator experience for countless events hosted at Rupp. The amenities offered inside - improved, state of the art sound system, video screens, etc. will attract events that might otherwise bypass Rupp for more contemporary venues.

Those acts, events, groups aren't going to consider Rupp first and foremost for what the exterior looks like. :beer:

It would make no sense to own stylish sports car if it were a dog among its peers.

[jack franklin]

Waste of money that could be well used in so many other ways.

Do you guys realize how much of the cash is going on outer cosmetics?

If we want to support the arts in such a way, I say build and furnish a museum, don't waste money on turning a basketball court into new outside, with an aging framework.

Idiot programs abound, but this one needs to be S...canned early on!

[BigBlue75]

I don't want to hijack the thread or anything, but the new arena in Louisville has been referenced at least once already and I wanted to mention something that I don't think most UK fans are aware of, expecially those that thought the bleetin' world was coming to an end because the Cardinals were getting a new arena. I went to a chamber of commerce luncheon about a year ago and Jim Host was the key speaker. He spoke on a lot of things but he spent a lot of time addressing the KFC Yum! Center. He made it very clear that the YUM Center was built to the standards the NCAA required to be able to host NCAA tournament games so that we in Kentucky could take advantage of that and the fans could enjoy the games. He said he got bombarded with questions as to why he was overseeing the building of an arena for the University of Louisville when he was a UK grad and was so closely associated with the UK program. He stated emphatically that the YUM Center was NOT U of L's arena, it was the Commonwealth of Kentucky's arena. He said U of L is paying a very hefty premium for the right to be called the "primary tenant", and to be able to play their home games there. He also got into how the funding to build it came about but I don't remember all he said about that so it wouldn't be right for me to comment. But if you think about it, it doesn't take a financial wizard to know that there is NO WAY that the University of Louisville, despite all their spin doctoring, could handle the debt service on a project of that magnitude by using it for 16-30 nights out of the year for athletic events.

[Dwight Schrute]

The whole outcry by some for a new arena is due to the accomodations inside, not the asthetics outside.

I guarantee the bulk of the renovation dollars for Madison Square Gardens were interior - not exterior. The fan/spectator experience can only be positively enhanced from what it is now. Better seating, luxury boxes, better concessions, better concourses, mingling space. Those will be improvements to the fan experience as well as the spectator experience for countless events hosted at Rupp. The amenities offered inside - improved, state of the art sound system, video screens, etc. will attract events that might otherwise bypass Rupp for more contemporary venues.

Those acts, events, groups aren't going to consider Rupp first and foremost for what the exterior looks like. :beer:

It would make no sense to own stylish sports car if it were a dog among its peers.

I agree that all of that is important, and I'm not trying to suggest it isn't - but the scope of the project that this group is taking under consideration is seeing what's best for downtown Lexington on the whole, which is more than just what's inside the arena. The interior is quite important, and UK basketball's needs are important, it's not the end-all-be-all of this scope. From the sound of it, UK isn't going to get everything they're asking for.

Regarding acts choosing other venues, there are other reasons for that that have nothing to do with the inside amenities of Rupp Arena. The market size and return on investment regarding facility rental in Cincinnati and Louisville have far more to do with it than whether or not Rupp Arena has luxury boxes, IMO.

[Dwight Schrute]

But if you think about it, it doesn't take a financial wizard to know that there is NO WAY that the University of Louisville, despite all their spin doctoring, could handle the debt service on a project of that magnitude by using it for 16-30 nights out of the year for athletic events.

Agreed, and likewise the same for UK. On other boards, fans have taken to saying that UK should say 'screw it' and build their own on-campus arena. And it's always lost that it would be irresponsible for UK to undertake that kind of debt on a project that would get used about 10% out of the year.

[Watchtower]

I agree that all of that is important, and I'm not trying to suggest it isn't - but the scope of the project that this group is taking under consideration is seeing what's best for downtown Lexington on the whole, which is more than just what's inside the arena. The interior is quite important, and UK basketball's needs are important, it's not the end-all-be-all of this scope. From the sound of it, UK isn't going to get everything they're asking for.

Since UK doesn't even plan to contribute to the project, I see no reason why they should get everything they want. I agree if Fayette County is paying the tab, then downtown Lexington's need come first and UK Basketball needs come second.

Since most fans cannot afford a luxury box, I believe that those who sit in the upper area should be very happy with chair-back seating which is a huge improvement. If the players look like a bunch of ants running around, the fans should at least be comfortable as they watch the game looking between their knees.

I assume one of those boxes might be held aside for CBS or ABC/ESPN when they come to town for an NCAA Tournament event. I sat right in front of the CBS box in San Antonio (same level) and felt I had the best seats in the house. I would hope the interior of Rupp will have something similar.

[katfantoo]

:thumbup:

In truth , there really are 2 different animals regarding what City of Louisville & Lexington were trying to achieve . There is no Pro franchise end game for Rupp so lets concentrate on the best case scenario for us and NOT play congressional hot potato ................LETS GET THE THING DONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lribookend]

This probably sounds trite, but I care more about what the team looks like on the floor, than the floor and surroundings. I know, I don't have season tickets, don't live in Lexington, and just watch the games on tv at home. But if arenas won championships, what does that say about Duke, Kansas, Butler (Final Game), NC, etc? There have been several UK basketball coaches over the past 20 years, some did well, some not so well in Rupp. The arena was pretty much the same then as it is now (mostly cosmetic changes over the years), where Coach Cal is undefeated. And, we don't seem to have much trouble recruiting top players with the arena we have today. The renovated Rupp will probably look great, although until we all see it, we are pretty much all just speculating. I think it will be top-notch, but that is hearsay from what others have said.
Larry

[RP_McMurphy]

I say play "home" games in Freedom Hall and offer free bus rides to students. Oh lord would that piss the birdies off or what.

[kynut]

Why are some assuming the interior will not be state of the art? What has been written about proposed improvements inside sound good to me. Why get all irate until full details are known? I'm betting that renderings and details of the new interior will be made public as they become available and detailed decisions are made. The MSG remodel worked out great.......everyone who has been there says it's fantastic. The same people that did the MSG remodel will be working on Rupp, so isn't it likely Rupp will turn out just as good?

Also, everyone who has ever seen the exterior of the old Rupp (including me) thinks it's a big old ugly boxy blight on the landscape. I, for one, welcome making it more attractive outside as well as inside. There's no reason to just junk every piece of the old building....a steel beam is a steel beam and it's good dang near forever so why destroy it? $130-150M will buy a lot of very nice amenities. Spending half a billion dollars on a gymnasium doesn't make good sense at all when most of what is needed even for a new building is already there and eminently usable. I don't live in Lex so I don't have a dog in this fight, but, as a general rule, I don't like wasting taxpayer money anywhere. 75% of Rupp is reusable and it makes sense to me to remodel.

kynut

[thughes]

Where is the parking? The third view showed the current parking lot having been built on. The 260 million amount is for the whole project not just for Rupp.

[colonelcatfan]

This probably sounds trite, but I care more about what the team looks like on the floor, than the floor and surroundings. I know, I don't have season tickets, don't live in Lexington, and just watch the games on tv at home. But if arenas won championships, what does that say about Duke, Kansas, Butler (Final Game), NC, etc? There have been several UK basketball coaches over the past 20 years, some did well, some not so well in Rupp. The arena was pretty much the same then as it is now (mostly cosmetic changes over the years), where Coach Cal is undefeated. And, we don't seem to have much trouble recruiting top players with the arena we have today. The renovated Rupp will probably look great, although until we all see it, we are pretty much all just speculating. I think it will be top-notch, but that is hearsay from what others have said.
Larry


Why are some assuming the interior will not be state of the art? What has been written about proposed improvements inside sound good to me. Why get all irate until full details are known? I'm betting that renderings and details of the new interior will be made public as they become available and detailed decisions are made. The MSG remodel worked out great.......everyone who has been there says it's fantastic. The same people that did the MSG remodel will be working on Rupp, so isn't it likely Rupp will turn out just as good?

Also, everyone who has ever seen the exterior of the old Rupp (including me) thinks it's a big old ugly boxy blight on the landscape. I, for one, welcome making it more attractive outside as well as inside. There's no reason to just junk every piece of the old building....a steel beam is a steel beam and it's good dang near forever so why destroy it? $130-150M will buy a lot of very nice amenities. Spending half a billion dollars on a gymnasium doesn't make good sense at all when most of what is needed even for a new building is already there and eminently usable. I don't live in Lex so I don't have a dog in this fight, but, as a general rule, I don't like wasting taxpayer money anywhere. 75% of Rupp is reusable and it makes sense to me to remodel.

kynut

I have to agree with both of you. I don't really care if the Cats play in an old barn, if the bard is big enough that I can get a seat to play watch a game now and then. Of course I'd prefer cushy and comfy, but really, I just want the Cats to win. It seem ridiculously wasteful to trash a perfectly salvagable arena and start from scratch. I ALWAYS question the destruction of a stadium/arena unless it simply isnt safe. Americans are spoiled brats and we want the utmost in luxury when we worship our athletic teams, but seriously, it that really necessary? (I'm counting myself among the brats, believe me!!) Further, I agree with Cal (although he may be playing game in the press to get what he really wants, I have no idea), the university is about the students, and if the campus needs renovation, that's where the money should go first.

I realize some on this board seem think that the University of Kentucky exists purely for sports, but that is not the case. I love UK Bball as much as anyone here, but in our current economy, dropping untold millions on an arena, new or renovated, needs to be weighed very carefully.

[ukwebfan]

I agree that all of that is important, and I'm not trying to suggest it isn't - but the scope of the project that this group is taking under consideration is seeing what's best for downtown Lexington on the whole, which is more than just what's inside the arena. The interior is quite important, and UK basketball's needs are important, it's not the end-all-be-all of this scope. From the sound of it, UK isn't going to get everything they're asking for.

Regarding acts choosing other venues, there are other reasons for that that have nothing to do with the inside amenities of Rupp Arena. The market size and return on investment regarding facility rental in Cincinnati and Louisville have far more to do with it than whether or not Rupp Arena has luxury boxes, IMO.Actually your wrong again. Promoter after promoter often cite building amenities when regarding which venues to book.

As far as your other mostly incorrect assumptions about the interior, the price tag tells you all you need to know about the priority the interior plays in a new Rupp. Otherwise, the money would be equally spent redoing the surrounding street grid, convention/meeting areas, parks, stores, restaurants, museums and connected hotels.

[LAcat]

Why are some assuming the interior will not be state of the art? What has been written about proposed improvements inside sound good to me. Why get all irate until full details are known? I'm betting that renderings and details of the new interior will be made public as they become available and detailed decisions are made. The MSG remodel worked out great.......everyone who has been there says it's fantastic. The same people that did the MSG remodel will be working on Rupp, so isn't it likely Rupp will turn out just as good?

Also, everyone who has ever seen the exterior of the old Rupp (including me) thinks it's a big old ugly boxy blight on the landscape. I, for one, welcome making it more attractive outside as well as inside. There's no reason to just junk every piece of the old building....a steel beam is a steel beam and it's good dang near forever so why destroy it? $130-150M will buy a lot of very nice amenities. Spending half a billion dollars on a gymnasium doesn't make good sense at all when most of what is needed even for a new building is already there and eminently usable. I don't live in Lex so I don't have a dog in this fight, but, as a general rule, I don't like wasting taxpayer money anywhere. 75% of Rupp is reusable and it makes sense to me to remodel.

kynut

I agree in general, but then why wasn't Freedom Hall just remodeled instead of constructing Yum?

[ukwebfan]

Since UK doesn't even plan to contribute to the project, I see no reason why they should get everything they want. I agree if Fayette County is paying the tab, then downtown Lexington's need come first and UK Basketball needs come second.

Since most fans cannot afford a luxury box, I believe that those who sit in the upper area should be very happy with chair-back seating which is a huge improvement. If the players look like a bunch of ants running around, the fans should at least be comfortable as they watch the game looking between their knees.

I agree but with the Rupp renovation being bounced around for years by surely one of the biggest Lexington employers, UK. It seems those with the most influence and the largest tax base tend to get their way. Sometimes thru a multi-million dollar ad campaign to influence potential voters in a corporate welfare referendum.

Happens in Cincy all the time.

The 2 stadiums, Freedom Center, downtown casinos, Banks project under construction and proposed light rail all sound great at the polls right up until government revenue projections fall short and bond payments suddenly become at risk.

[ukwebfan]

nm

[Chaz]

I agree in general, but then why wasn't Freedom Hall just remodeled instead of constructing Yum?

Freedom Hall has already been renovated once and it turned out great. Why not again? Well, Freedom Hall and the surrounding exhibition halls are booked to the hilt now and it was a nightmare for scheduling. Also, some money people in Lville were and are still trying to get a Pro team there. They needed a new fancy smancy arena to attract one. The city with state bonding financed this project using a tax district etc. The Stat Fair Board manages all of those venues including the Commonwealth Convention Center. That arena IS NOT UL's, but for the Commonwealth! Also, with the Yummy center, they can now get the NCAA early rounds there so UK can play there. :icon_lol:

[kynut]

I agree in general, but then why wasn't Freedom Hall just remodeled instead of constructing Yum?

I have no idea. Does Freedom Hall not belong to the KY Fairgrounds people.......not UL or the City? I do know that Freedom Hall does not seat as many people as Rupp or Yum.....isn't it around 18,000......went to final four there once and several ND/UK games but have forgotten the exact capacity. FH is also quite a bit older than Rupp so maybe that was a factor also.

Rupp already has nice lower arena seating and a first class playing floor which are fairly new. I mean, how nice does a two hour seat have to be anyway? I guess a La-Z-Boy for all would be nice but come on. Stretch it up and out a little and there's room to put nice seats upstairs as well as luxury boxes. Add in the enlarged, updated, and more numerous concourses, bathrooms, and concession areas, a gigantic lobby, escalators, sound system, scoreboard and video boards and you pretty much have a brand new facility at less than half the cost. Makes sense to me, but it's not my money so I'm content to let the City and the University decide what to do. I'm just happy to keep the Rupp name.

kynut

[Watchtower]

I agree but with the Rupp renovation being bounced around for years by surely one of the biggest Lexington employers, UK. It seems those with the most influence and the largest tax base tend to get their way. Sometimes thru a multi-million dollar ad campaign to influence potential voters in a corporate welfare referendum.

Happens in Cincy all the time.

The 2 stadiums, Freedom Center, downtown casinos, Banks project under construction and proposed light rail all sound great at the polls right up until government revenue projections fall short and bond payments suddenly become at risk.

I hear you. Last night on the local news they said the city of Orlando contributed $11 million to our Convention Center (which is HUGE) in order to balance out the losses. This was after doing the same last year to the tune of $14 million last year. This is in addition to funding shortfalls at the brand new Amway center (Magic's home) and the new performing artsy-fartsy building. At least down here the voters get to vote on the "wunnerful" projects and a lot of it is paid for with Room Taxes at all the thousands of hotels. At least the Magic contributed money to the Amway center which is as nice or nicer than that place that smells of chicken grease up the road from Lexington.

[Dwight Schrute]

Actually your wrong again. Promoter after promoter often cite building amenities when regarding which venues to book.

Yeah, you're right. With the exorbitant facility rental rates, and population about a third of Louisville, and an even smaller fraction of Cincinnati, what Lexington is missing is the luxury boxes. :icon_rolleyes:


As far as your other mostly incorrect assumptions about the interior, the price tag tells you all you need to know about the priority the interior plays in a new Rupp. Otherwise, the money would be equally spent redoing the surrounding street grid, convention/meeting areas, parks, stores, restaurants, museums and connected hotels.

What incorrect assumptions did I make about the interior? The interior is going to be remodeled with it, but the focus of the project is the arena district on the whole. Not just whether people like you are happy watching the game then go back to wherever it is you come from.

[ukwebfan]

What incorrect assumptions did I make about the interior? The interior is going to be remodeled with it, but the focus of the project is the arena district on the whole. Not just whether people like you are happy watching the game then go back to wherever it is you come from.Thought you were the dude placing a low priority on the interior with a much higher priority on the exterior and surrrounding areas??? My mistake.

Believe it or not, I often come down several hours before the game and stay after on weekends and actually utilize much of what was mentioned. Most especially the free parking. ;)

[Dwight Schrute]

Thought you were the dude placing a low priority on the interior with a much higher priority on the exterior and surrrounding areas??? My mistake.

That's not my priority, that's that of the planning committee doing the study. I agree with the priority.

Better stated: the question was not whether UK should get a nicer arena with more amenities for basketball (and revenue). It was always known to anyone paying attention that UK was going to get that regardless of the action taken. The question was whether that was best accomplished through a new arena, or a remodeled Rupp arena with emphasis placed on transforming the arena district and adjacent Manchester Street area. That's the emphasis I agree with, and seemingly the one chosen.

[lilproUK98]

So the Herald Leader reports slight increase in seats and today the Mayor says, on KSR, that there will be a slight decrease...which is it? Is it just a decrease in normal seats but results in net increase with suite seating capacity? I really hope there is no decrease in actual normal seats for the public.

[ukwebfan]

That's not my priority, that's that of the planning committee doing the study. I agree with the priority.

Better stated: the question was not whether UK should get a nicer arena with more amenities for basketball (and revenue). It was always known to anyone paying attention that UK was going to get that regardless of the action taken. The question was whether that was best accomplished through a new arena, or a remodeled Rupp arena with emphasis placed on transforming the arena district and adjacent Manchester Street area. That's the emphasis I agree with, and seemingly the one chosen.What does Manchester Street have to offer? Inquiring minds need to know. :lol:

I'll say it again, UK and corporate types tend to get their way in these negotiations. But sure that won't deminish anything the city has planned for the exterior. Hope it's another sit down, chain-type restaurant/bar or subsidized museum. :laughing:mao