LEXINGTON, Ky (LEX 18) To make room for big changes coming to the Lexington Center, Rupp Arena and the Convention Center held a surplus auction Friday.
Braving the weather and a parking lot full of puddles, True Blue fans showed up ready to dig deep in their pockets for a piece of the arena’s history.
"It’s a rare opportunity. Some of this sold many, many, years ago but, if you didn’t get the chance this is it," said Chuck McKee, the owner of Bluegrass Auction & Appraisal.
The auction is about to get underway! Pretty good crowd of people hoping to snag some pieces of Rupp’s history (including original floor panels) to make room for the renovations at the convention center. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/tPmpRC5lY1
— Claire Crouch (@clairecrouch) August 17, 2018
On the auction block, there are assorted items like signs, concession equipment, and even a 20 foot Christmas tree.
The most sought-after items were panels from the original floor in Rupp.
"I’ve got pieces of the Memorial Coliseum floor before they replaced it. I’ve got national championship banner that used to hang in Rupp so, it just goes with the collection," said Brett Morris.
Former Wildcat Kyle Macy even made an appearance at the auction Friday, marveling at fans playing hundreds of dollars for pieces of the floor he played on.
"Well its fun and its good for Rupp that they can get some value out of the old pieces," he said.
Former Cat Kyle Macy is here checking it out! Fans are bidding on pieces of the floor he PLAYED on ???? @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/PRLGvEeeZ5
— Claire Crouch (@clairecrouch) August 17, 2018
The plans for the panels varied. One man told LEX 18 that he hoped to make writing pens out of the wood, others are still trying to figure out what they’ll do with this one of a kind memorabilia.
All the proceeds will go to the Lexington Center as they prepare for their next chapter, a $241 million reconstruction project.
Among other things on the auction block today – this toilet. Could be a good conversation piece! pic.twitter.com/6O2ICcXVH3
— Claire Crouch (@clairecrouch) August 17, 2018
