UK planning season of celebration for Wildcats' 50th year playing in Rupp Arena

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Kentucky will spend the upcoming basketball season celebrating 50 years of play in Rupp Arena.

UK Athletics said in a news release this week that the Wildcats will host celebrations all season, including in-venue events, a special broadcast on the UK Sports Network and social media throwbacks.

Fans who helped give Rupp Arena its iconic status will also be recognized online and at home games.

"Rupp Arena is sacred ground in college basketball," UK head coach Mark Pope said in a news release. "To be part of the 50th season in this building, where so many legends have played and so many memories have been made, it's incredibly humbling. We're excited to honor the past, while building toward the future."

The Wildcats have played at the arena since it opened in 1976.

"This is more than a milestone, it's a celebration of the bond between a team, a venue and a fanbase unlike any other," UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said in a news release. "We're proud to partner with Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center to honor the legacy of Kentucky basketball and the Big Blue Nation."

For more updates on the season of celebration, click here.

The 50th season at @Rupp_Arena is 50 days away ⏳

📰🔗 https://t.co/OS9juIK6t7 pic.twitter.com/LCTvpwpSme
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) September 15, 2025