After a year filled with controversy over the condition of the basketball court at Rupp Arena, the University of Kentucky is set to begin the 2024-25 season on a brand-new surface.
The new court marks a fresh start after last year’s attempt at replacing the floor ended in disappointment when the initial installation was found to be defective.
Brian Sipe, general manager of the Central Bank Center, which oversees Rupp Arena, said the Wildcats will play the upcoming season on a newly completed court, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. This marks only the second court change since the arena opened in 1976. The previous court was installed for the 2001-02 season.
Trouble began in December 2023 when Kentucky played a game against UNC Wilmington on a freshly installed court. The Wildcats lost that game, and officials from Robbins Sports Surfaces—the company that supplied the court—inspected it and determined it did not meet quality standards.
As a result, the court was removed just days after its debut, and the company promised a new replacement at no extra cost. The Wildcats finished the rest of the season on the old floor while awaiting the new installation.
The new court was completed this summer and has already been put to the test, with Coach Mark Pope’s team practicing on it. In August, the court also hosted Reed Sheppard’s fantasy basketball camp. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the court is now prepped for official game action.
The court’s design, popular with fans last season, remains largely unchanged. The centerpiece of the floor is a striking wood-stained outline of the state of Kentucky, covering much of the playing area. Though the Wildcats didn’t have success during their one game on the previous version, the court’s aesthetics received widespread praise.
Fans will get their first look at the new hardwood vs. an actual opponent on Oct. 23 when the Wildcats host Kentucky Wesleyan in an exhibition game. However, before that, Big Blue Madness on Oct. 11 will feature a special event on an LED-embedded glass floor designed specifically for the annual celebration.
The Wildcats’ official season opener will take place on Nov. 4, when they face Wright State at Rupp Arena.
