LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The KFC Yum! Center is celebrating 15 years in downtown Louisville while also looking toward the future.
The arena is kicking off the celebrations with fan-focused events and community engagement starting this month through December.
Starting Oct. 10, there will be an anniversary kick-off concert. A UofL men's basketball game will be held Oct. 24. A free community movie night and anniversary celebration is also scheduled for Nov. 23.
In addition to these events, the arena will celebrate all season long with giveaways, commemorative merchandise and renovation updates.
Crews are currently in the process of building a new roof on the center, as part of upgrades being made in preparation for the 15th anniversary.
Major improvements are expected aside from the new roof, along with long-term strategic planning. The Louisville Arena Authority—which owns and operates the KFC Yum! Center—is investing an estimated $13.6 million for infrastructure upgrades.
The replacement of the 250,000-square-foot roof is expected to be done by December. It's the largest single capital project approved by the LAA. Louisville-based Deer Park Roofing is managing the project. The construction was scheduled around the arena's event calendar to minimize any disruptions.
In September, arena officials launched a study seeking feedback from the community about the venue's direction and priorities, an effort aimed at reimagining the building at Second and Main streets through public input.
"Community feedback will play a key role in shaping a flexible, data-driven vision for both practical improvements and transformative upgrades, positioning the KFC Yum! Center as a dynamic, world-class destination for the next generation," leaders said in a news release Wednesday.
The LAA said the top priorities include improving guest experiences; planning new uses for underutilized spaces; "aligning with Louisville's cultural identity," such as bourbon; brainstorming for new events; and thinking about "financial stability" once current funding streams change or expire. Those interested in weighing in can complete the survey by clicking here.
Since opening in October 2010, the KFC Yum! Center has welcomed more than 13 million guests, hosted nearly 2,000 concerts, sporting events and conventions and has made a $1.4 billion economic impact on the city.
"The KFC Yum! Center has become one of our city's most significant economic drivers and a source of civic pride," Leslie Geoghegan, chair of the LAA, said in a news release. "This anniversary is not just about looking back, it's a celebration of the role this arena continues to play in shaping Louisville's future."
The arena serves as the home court for the University of Louisville men's and women's basketball programs.
Other upcoming events scheduled at the KFC Yum! Center are listed below. For more information about these events or anniversary events, or to purchase tickets to an event, click here.
- Oct. 5 – Nate Bargatze
- Oct. 10 – Zack Top (Anniversary Concert)
- Oct. 18–19 – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire
- Oct. 24 – March 4, 2026 – University of Louisville Men’s Basketball
- Oct. 25 – Elevation Worship
- Nov. 1 – University of Louisville Women’s Volleyball
- Nov. 9, 2025 – March 1, 2026 – University of Louisville Women’s Basketball
- Nov. 13 – Zach Williams and Crowder
- Nov. 21 – Gabriel Iglesias
- Nov. 23 – Movie Night & Community Celebration
- Dec. 5 – Billy Strings
- Dec. 19 – Lindsey Stirling
- Jan. 16, 2026 – Harlem Globetrotters
- Feb. 14, 2026 – Cody Johnson
- April 17, 2026 – Riley Green
- April 24, 2026 – Brandon Lake
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