Rupp Arena
Home to:
Wildcats
Overview
Rupp Arena is the home of Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball in downtown Lexington, part of the Central Bank Center complex. Named for legendary coach Adolph Rupp, it is one of the largest and loudest arenas in college basketball, regularly drawing sellout crowds of over 20,000. The blue-sea atmosphere and the program's championship pedigree make it one of the sport's true cathedrals. It has also become a regular host for SEC Tournament games and other high-profile college basketball events.
History & Legacy
Rupp Arena opened in 1976, giving the Wildcats a big-city home to match their status as one of the sport's winningest programs. A 2019 renovation converted much of the upper bowl from bleachers to chair-back seating, setting the current capacity. The arena has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games and SEC Tournament championships over its history. It briefly served as the primary venue for Kentucky women's basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics during a 2023-24 renovation of Memorial Coliseum.
Source: RateGame editorial
Opened1976
Capacity20,545
Notable EventsKentucky Wildcats basketball; SEC Tournament host; 2019 seating renovation
8.0
Average ratingStadium
21Ratings
Games
4.1
16 fans rated
Commodores vs Wildcats
CBB • Reg. Season• Feb 28 20267.7
29 fans rated
Volunteers vs Wildcats
CBB • Reg. Season• Feb 8 2026Stadium ratings
9.6
@camdenwhite
3mo
0
0
9.5
@ejdubs
4mo
CBB • Reg. Season12/03/2025
0
0
10
@dimeyyy
4mo
Go Big Blue RAHHH
0
0
10
@thegummybear
4mo
I’m a UK fan so I’m a little biased but just phenomenal all the way around from seats, Ice Cream, Chic-Fil-A and just so much more it’s easily my favorite arena in the country.
0
0