New court installed at KFC Yum! Center ahead of Louisville's basketball season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville men's and women's basketball teams will tip off their upcoming seasons on a brand new court.

The KFC Yum! Center conversion team practiced installing and removing the new floor for the first time Thursday. It looks very similar to the old court and still includes the iconic dunking cardinal logo and Denny Crum's signature. But the floor is easier for crews to put together and a little shorter to give them room to work.

This is the first time the court has been replaced since the KFC Yum! Center first opened nearly 13 years ago.

"It's been a long time coming," said Michael Sullivan, senior manager of events and guest services at the Yum! Center. "The old floor had kind of lived its life here in this building. It's as old as the building was ..."

"We're hoping that the new court brings the team a lot of luck this year."

The court was purchased by the Louisville Arena Authority.