Bailout Arena Sets the Slapd!cks Back 15 Years...

[zipp]

...Not a chance in hell LPT was gonna get any significant money to build or rebuild an arena. Not the way the 2nd & Main financial disaster has played out.

After $400 million was plowed into this financial sinkhole, the slappies have been left with $15 million to renovate the old barn.

Did they come up with a catchy name for that new videoboard?

One of the few good things to come outta Bailout Arena

"Elite program", my a$$...

 

[Cue Card]

UofK signed a lease agreement to stay in the barn until 2033. That's fitting.

 

[ThroughBlue]

#4

#4

#7

#1

#5

#3

I think our arena is just fine. Don't just take my word for it though.

 

[Cue Card]

#4

#4

#7

#1

#5

#3

I think our arena is just fine. Don't just take my word for it though.

It's a terrific relic. A shrine of how things and people used to view the country and the people who lived in it. The name of the barn signifies everything there is to understand about the culture of UofK basketball. RUPP Arena.

I understand. Do you?

 

[tluck28]

It really is such a sh#t hole.

 

[stenchymouse]

You guys are fortunate to have the Yum center.

I'd love to have a new arena but obviously that's not going to happen.

The new scoreboard at Rupp has really improved the experience there for the fans, so at least we have that...

 

[Steelers2012]

IMO, the debate of Rupp vs Yum is one of personal preference in history and tradition vs shiny and new with bells and whistles. Freedom Hall had the "storied history" going for it when UofL chose to build new vs renovation. Both sides can rationally make a case for why one is preferable over the other. And obviously, most fan's opinion is going to fall on the side of "their" facility. Bottom line, both sides have valid reason to be proud of their facility.

 

[ThroughBlue]

IMO, the debate of Rupp vs Yum is one of personal preference in history and tradition vs shiny and new with bells and whistles. Freedom Hall had the "storied history" going for it when UofL chose to build new vs renovation. Both sides can rationally make a case for why one is preferable over the other. And obviously, most fan's opinion is going to fall on the side of "their" facility. Bottom line, both sides have valid reason to be proud of their facility.

There is no comparing the two arenas structural wise. Yum center blows Rupp out of the water when just viewing the buildings. For the record I would love a big nice new arena. But to act like we play in some garbage arena with no benefits of its own is delusional.

 

[tluck28]

YUM is a very quiet arena though. Could be cause of all the old rich people that take up all of the bottom half seats.

 

[ThroughBlue]

YUM is a very quiet arena though. Could be cause of all the old rich people that take up all of the bottom half seats.

I think you may have a typo, friend

 

[zipp]

Steelers, don't kid yourself. LPT may spin this as a matter of choice. But Lexington had proposed a huge project in 2012--close to $300 million--that involved a major modernization of Rupp Arena. See page 12 of this LINK for details that included suites, clubs, and all chairback seating in addition to the stuff they're doing.

2012 was obviously just after Bailout Arena opened, and LPT was supposed to be getting its slice of the economic pie. Unfortunately for them, 2012 was also just before the financial realities of Bailout Arena started leaking out. When political hacks realized what was going on at 2nd & Main, that $300 million investment just 75 miles east of here became a pipe dream.

For a little perspective close to home... When Freedom Hall was vacated by U of L after the 2009 season, it was 53 years old. In 2033 when this new LPT lease runs its course, Rupp Arena will be 57 years old. Freedom Hall is 61 years old as it sits; anyone been inside lately?

I've said it many times... The effect that the Bailout Arena debacle has had on LPT and Rupp Arena is one of the few benefits I can attribute to its construction. And that effect will likely still be reverberating even out to end of the new LPT lease. I have little doubt that they wouldn't otherwise be building a new or extensively renovated arena of their own. Instead they got to remove the big, white horn monstrosity over midcourt and hang a new videoboard. Wheeee!!

"Elite program", my a$$...

 

[ThroughBlue]

Steelers, don't kid yourself. LPT may spin this as a matter of choice. But Lexington had proposed a huge project in 2012--close to $300 million--that involved a major modernization of Rupp Arena. See page 12 of this LINK for details that included suites, clubs, and all chairback seating in addition to the stuff they're doing.

2012 was obviously just after Bailout Arena opened, and LPT was supposed to be getting its slice of the economic pie. Unfortunately for them, 2012 was also just before the financial realities of Bailout Arena started leaking out. When political hacks realized what was going on at 2nd & Main, that $300 million investment just 75 miles east of here became a pipe dream.

For a little perspective close to home... When Freedom Hall was vacated by U of L after the 2009 season, it was 53 years old. In 2033 when this new LPT lease runs its course, Rupp Arena will be 57 years old. Freedom Hall is 61 years old as it sits; anyone been inside lately?

I've said it many times... The effect that the Bailout Arena debacle has had on LPT and Rupp Arena is one of the few benefits I can attribute to its construction. And that effect will likely still be reverberating even out to end of the new LPT lease. I have little doubt that they wouldn't otherwise be building a new or extensively renovated arena of their own. Instead they got to remove the big, white horn monstrosity over midcourt and hang a new videoboard. Wheeee!!

"Elite program", my a$$...

If you haven't been inside you don't know the difference the center scoreboard makes. No it's not a new arena but it gets 24,000 fat assed kentuckians into a common space to cheer on their team

 

[Steelers2012]

Steelers, don't kid yourself. LPT may spin this as a matter of choice. But Lexington had proposed a huge project in 2012--close to $300 million--that involved a major modernization of Rupp Arena. See page 12 of this LINK for details that included suites, clubs, and all chairback seating in addition to the stuff they're doing. a.

Meh...if a guy tells me he prefers their facility over ours, I have no reason to doubt him. People enjoy many different aspects of the total home game experience. They become attached to a certain look and feel. Shiny and new isn't everybody's "thing".

 

[zipp]

If you haven't been inside you don't know the difference the center scoreboard makes. No it's not a new arena but it gets 24,000 fat assed kentuckians into a common space to cheer on their team

It's a big old aircraft hanger, that will be a really old hanger by 2033.

And with a fancy scoreboard to entertain slappies.

"Elite program", my a$$...

 

[Z Nation]

As a UofL fan I may be in minority who likes Freedom Hall more than the Yum. The crowd wasn't as corporate and people were there to watch basketball. No doubt there are tons of pros to the new arena. But in terms of atmosphere and actually watching the game, I will always prefer Freedom hall.

 

[nccardfan]

As a UofL fan I may be in minority who likes Freedom Hall more than the Yum. The crowd wasn't as corporate and people were there to watch basketball. No doubt there are tons of pros to the new arena. But in terms of atmosphere and actually watching the game, I will always prefer Freedom hall.

I always loved Freedom Hall as well but it had some of the same issues, people leaving early to beat the traffic to go somewhere.. And traffic getting into the fairgrounds meant people arriving late. There is nothing to do at Freedom Hall but go home. At least you can hang in the bars and restaurants downtown.

 

[Fern Creek Card]

Warning to all big blew fans. Do not, repeat do not argue arenas with Zipp. You cannot win this argument with him. He is an arena specialist and knows all facts associated with all of the above arenas. I would bet on Zipp every time about this subject. Not kidding.

 

[zipp]

As a UofL fan I may be in minority who likes Freedom Hall more than the Yum. The crowd wasn't as corporate and people were there to watch basketball. No doubt there are tons of pros to the new arena. But in terms of atmosphere and actually watching the game, I will always prefer Freedom hall.

Sight lines at The Hall were much better than the upper regions of the new arena where a game is almost un-watchable. That's the major issue but it happens to be a big one affecting half of the attendees.

Jim Host Two Arenas

 

[mwatson61]

You guys are fortunate to have the Yum center.

I'd love to have a new arena but obviously that's not going to happen.

The new scoreboard at Rupp has really improved the experience there for the fans, so at least we have that...

Have they added padding to the upper deck bleachers?

 

[mwatson61]

If you haven't been inside you don't know the difference the center scoreboard makes. No it's not a new arena but it gets 24,000 fat assed kentuckians into a common space to cheer on their team

Fat assed, I agree. Go Big Blew!

 

[Kratz]

Rupp is a grand old dame of college basketball, but I think the bleachers of the upper deck cheapen it.

I'm still more partial to Freedom Hall. I understand that YUM is new, shiny and has all the amenities that make more money, but from the perspective of simply being a fan watching a game, the sight lines of Freedom Hall were better.

 

[JohnKBA]

It's a terrific relic. A shrine of how things and people used to view the country and the people who lived in it. The name of the barn signifies everything there is to understand about the culture of UofK basketball. RUPP Arena.

I understand. Do you?

This is the type of broad brush that contributes to this country being so divided right now. Your cute insinuation is offensive to me as a person. The fact that you take something as trivial and meaningless as a sports rivalry and use it to paint large groups of people is the pure definition of exactly what you accuse all UK fans of being.

ETA - your arena is much, much nicer than ours.

 

[grousehunter66]

Rupp is a grand old dame of college basketball, but I think the bleachers of the upper deck cheapen it.

I'm still more partial to Freedom Hall. I understand that YUM is new, shiny and has all the amenities that make more money, but from the perspective of simply being a fan watching a game, the sight lines of Freedom Hall were better.

Hello Kratz. Long time no type. Hope you have been catching a lot of fish and still shooting straight. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

 

[Cue Card]

This is the type of broad brush that contributes to this country being so divided right now. Your cute insinuation is offensive to me as a person. The fact that you take something as trivial and meaningless as a sports rivalry and use it to paint large groups of people is the pure definition of exactly what you accuse all UK fans of being.

ETA - your arena is much, much nicer than ours.

Lighten up John. Everyone knows the truth about how things used to be, and how the recent hope and change narrative only divided the country even more. I didn't build that. We are where we are as a country because of one man and his name isn't Rupp. Embrace the history. Maybe one day we'll ALL learn from it.

 

[JohnKBA]

Lighten up John. Everyone knows the truth about how things used to be, and how the recent hope and change narrative only divided the country even more. I didn't build that. We are where we are as a country because of one man and his name isn't Rupp. Embrace the history. Maybe one day we'll ALL learn from it.

The problem is, it's not my history. I moved here in 1996, so whatever happened here before me doesn't matter a bit to me Cue.

I do agree that we could all have a lot to learn. It's sad that in 2016 we are in the position we are in. Head scratching really. Cheers and happy holidays to you and yours sir.

 

[Cue Card]

The problem is, it's not my history. I moved here in 1996, so whatever happened here before me doesn't matter a bit to me Cue.

I do agree that we could all have a lot to learn. It's sad that in 2016 we are in the position we are in. Head scratching really. Cheers and happy holidays to you and yours sir.

Merry CHRISTMAS to you and your family too John.

 

[Cal4Pres.]

He doesn't want to play UK in anything because it apparently doesn't benefit UofL at all but yet here he is again talking about UK????????????? hmmmm.... I'm with Steeler's on this, its brand new with all the bells vs. history/tradition.

 

[Boom Boys 13]

It's a big old aircraft hanger, that will be a really old hanger by 2033.

And with a fancy scoreboard to entertain slappies.

"Elite program", my a$$...

Enjoy those bleachers slapdicks. They are high quality.

 

[EasyCard]

...Not a chance in hell LPT was gonna get any significant money to build or rebuild an arena. Not the way the 2nd & Main financial disaster has played out.

After $400 million was plowed into this financial sinkhole, the slappies have been left with $15 million to renovate the old barn.

Did they come up with a catchy name for that new videoboard?

One of the few good things to come outta Bailout Arena

"Elite program", my a$$...

Arguing tradition over newness on arenas is like arguing dating miss congeniality is better than the prom queen cuz she makes you laugh. Everybody knows who you really want to be with.

 

[JohnKBA]

Arguing tradition over newness on arenas is like arguing dating miss congeniality is better than the prom queen cuz she makes you laugh. Everybody knows who you really want to be with.

Short term, take the prom queen, just don't get attached. She'll screw your friend and take half your money

 

[wromanp7]

So this thread is about YUM and the modern era?
Over-extending on the backs of everyone but those that prosper from it?

Ok.

 

[coolioo1]

Freedom hall was the worst place to watch a game if you paid for great seats. It was better if you were in the upper deck. You had to stand up to see action on the opposite end of court. Plus, it did NOTHING for the city base on location. Goal was to get in quickly, watch game and get out quickly. Rupp is not great but serves its purpose admirably. And it has always been downtown to help spur local business pre and post games.

 

[BPGhost]

Lighten up John. Everyone knows the truth about how things used to be, and how the recent hope and change narrative only divided the country even more. I didn't build that. We are where we are as a country because of one man and his name isn't Rupp. Embrace the history. Maybe one day we'll ALL learn from it.

Just curious - who is that "one man" of which you speak?

We all learn from history now. The problem is the "history" you reference has become an evermore personalized thing, designed by the individual to validate their specific predilections and biases. The only thing that will ever be agreed on, are events. Causation will continue to be subjective.

Happy holidays to all.

 

[mwatson61]

They'll never replace the bleachers with chair backs due to their most cherished capacity issue.

 

[stenchymouse]

Have they added padding to the upper deck bleachers?

No, but they're planning to add chair backs to much of the upper arena.

Like I said, you're fortunate to have the Yum Center.

We'd love to have a new arena and thats not going to happen.

It's obvious that you have a much nicer arena than we do, so that in itself is the jab to us...

In this case you don't need to send a verbal jab.

 

[Steelers2012]

No, but they're planning to add chair backs to much of the upper arena.

Like I said, you're fortunate to have the Yum Center.

We'd love to have a new arena and thats not going to happen.

It's obvious that you have a much nicer arena than we do, so that in itself is the jab to us...

In this case you don't need to send a verbal jab.

Hey Stench. You still playing in the band locally? Merry Christmas!

 

[Cue Card]

Just curious - who is that "one man" of which you speak?

We all learn from history now. The problem is the "history" you reference has become an evermore personalized thing, designed by the individual to validate their specific predilections and biases. The only thing that will ever be agreed on, are events. Causation will continue to be subjective.

Happy holidays to all.

You know who I'm referring to. I would prefer to just step back and leave this alone from this point forward and get back on topic instead of going down a road we can't get off of. I'm turning right. You can turn right, left or turn around. It doesn't matter to me.

Regardless of the history surrounding the name, Rupp Arena is a nice Arena with a great college basketball atmosphere. The YUM! Center is state of the art, and the crowd there is more like a NBA crowd where they wait for the home team to do something to entertain them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all as well.

 

[BPGhost]

You know who I'm referring to. I would prefer to just step back and leave this alone from this point forward and get back on topic instead of going down a road we can't get off of. I'm turning right. You can turn right, left or turn around. It doesn't matter to me.

Regardless of the history surrounding the name, Rupp Arena is a nice Arena with a great college basketball atmosphere. The YUM! Center is state of the art, and the crowd there is more like a NBA crowd where they wait for the home team to do something to entertain them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all as well.

I agree about the YUM atmosphere to a point. The crowds can be great - when there is a great opponent. Trying to get up for the typical November - early December games will challenge the most passionate fan. This isn't dissimilar to what happens in lexington. If you read their boards (or watch any early season home games) there is always complaining about the yut crowds not being into it.

The atmosphere for big games there though is outstanding. Of course being in the sec, their crowds only need to get up for 2-3 home games per year.

 

[ThroughBlue]

There isn't a Kentucky fan that doesn't want a nice arena to one up Louisville and there are also a lot that are unhappy with Rupp.

I am happy to make the 2.5 hour drive north to see the Cats play. I would make the drive if they played in a literal barn instead of a figurative one

 

[zipp]

Freedom hall was the worst place to watch a game if you paid for great seats. It was better if you were in the upper deck. You had to stand up to see action on the opposite end of court. Plus, it did NOTHING for the city base on location. Goal was to get in quickly, watch game and get out quickly. Rupp is not great but serves its purpose admirably. And it has always been downtown to help spur local business pre and post games.

For the average paying customer, Freedom Hall was a much better arena as far as actually watching the game. Unfortunately for Bailout Arena, that's the most important reason for attending a game.

None of that has anything to do with the OP... The construction of Bailout Arena with its many, many warts is the single factor preventing LPT from getting a new arena anytime in the foreseeable future. And that's a damn shame.



"Elite program", my a$$...