I like it being at Rupp.

It definitely is. There's not a more dated building in the state.

 

I made my first trip to Rupp last year, and was definitely disappointed. I expected much better after years of hearing how great it is from the BB Nation.

 

That being said, I don't know that there is a better location for the Sweet 16.

It has the most history but Rupp is not the best place to watch a game. It probably holds the most fans. Diddle is a better place to sit and watch a game.

Rupp may not be in the best condition, but let's be real - if you're from Kentucky, your dream growing up is to play at Rupp Arena. Even if you aren't a UK fan, it is the Mecca of basketball in the Bluegrass.

Hope you love it as much as I do. Been going for over 50 years.

 

This year is #40 for me.

This year is #40 for me.

 

I had to miss last year because of health reasons. I listened to all the games but sure wish I could be there.

I had to miss last year because of health reasons. I listened to all the games but sure wish I could be there.

 

I hope you are well now and can make it this year. :-)

I don't see anything about Rupp that makes it a dump. It's a very well maintained facility. I'd like to hear specifically what makes it a dump.

I hope you are well now and can make it this year. :-)

 

Me too. I love it.

YUM, diddle, BB&T, Rupp

Rupp is larger than the khsaa needs. Attendance is dwindling. I enjoyed Louisville more than Lexington, that should tell you how long I've been going. Freedom Hall was a rocking place when a Louisville school was playing.

Never been to YUM nor BB&T. Agree, Rupp is bigger than necessary to hold the crowds (which are, indeed, dwindling.) But I still think Rupp is the mecca. Ya gotta have it there if possible.

 

The way I remember it: when the Louisville schools were playing, their crowd would frequently be the smallest of the bunch...whether it was at Freedom Hall or Rupp.

 

No doubt my memory isn't what it used to be...but I got to be part of broadcasting the entire Sweet 16 from 1974-1991.

 

Looking back, it would have been fun to have a picture of each corner of the gym...at least for the first round games...to see how many folks each team brought.

I watched via webcast this past year - really was a terrific way to see the games without having to make the trip, pay for tix/hotel, etc.

 

I admit that makes me less of a fan than some, but I felt the pay-per-view option was very good value.

 

I'm curious if anyone else took this same approach and how you felt about it.

I think it would be cool if at least some of the games were at Memorial Coliseum.

If wifi and cell service at rupp continues to be spotty they should at least allow a pass out by stamping your hand so you could go to the hyatt between games in the session and at halftime to check NCAA scores on your phone or watch some NCAA games on your march madness app or in the Hyatt Lobby.

I guess I was ambiguous. Louisville schools were different. As a white, rural kid it was eye opening to see the urban environment. I played in Rupp when my team went to state. It holds a special place for me. The state tournament was an awesome experience for me. Kids don't seem to care anymore. No programs, inability to watch college games, schools don't support the kids going- when I was in high school your ticket stub was good for an excused absence. Times change.