LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new basketball court is coming soon to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
The Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball teams will begin playing on the new surface later this season, following volleyball season. Installation is expected ahead of the Kentucky men’s basketball game against UNC-Wilmington on December 2nd.
UK Athletics unveiled the new design Tuesday.
The updated court will feature the UK logo at midcourt, with a contrasting wood stain outline of the state of Kentucky and the perimeter borders painted Kentucky blue. Additional elements include the word "Kentucky" spelled out across each baseline, the Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center logos on the wings, and the SEC logos in the lanes.
The Cawood’s Court marker memorializing legendary radio play-by-play announcer Cawood Ledford remains at midcourt in front of the broadcast table on the opposite side from the team benches.
The UK logo with “Mr. Wildcat” honoring longtime manager Bill Keightley is still in front of the UK bench.
🚨 🚨 Hearing good news #BBN
— Keith Farmer (@KeithFarmer18) November 7, 2023
The @UKAthletics basketball teams are getting a new look court at @Rupp_Arena .
You’ll have to wait a bit to see it because it won’t be installed until after volleyball season some time in December. @KentuckyMBB @KentuckyWBB
The current court has customizations installed specific to the volleyball surface overlay, which is why the current court must remain in place for the remainder of the volleyball season. The Kentucky Volleyball, Women’s Basketball and Gymnastics Teams are calling Rupp Arena home for this season while Memorial Coliseum undergoes renovations.
The new court replaces the surface that was originally installed in 2001. Since then, there have been sanding and redesigns, with the most recent in 2016.
