I respectfully disagree.

 

Playing in Rupp for a team like East Carter or Muhlenburg County(35 bus loads of fans) means a whole lot. I am not a UK fan, nor is my son who is currently a sophomore, but playing in Rupp would mean a whole lot more to him than playing in Freedom Hall. The mystique of Rupp Arena cannot be matched by Freedom Hall or the New Arena. Our current group of seniors had the opportunity to play/sit on the bench when the varsity team made it to Rupp 3 years ago. On senior night when the senior bios were read to the crowd, more than one said playing in Rupp as the most memorable moment and chances are they did nothing more than shoot layups and jumpers during warm ups. Like I said, I am not a UK fan, but even I can appreciate the history of playing at least one game with your high school team on the same court in the same building that so many legends have played on. Going for the tipoff with that huge UK under feet is a moment those boys will have for a lifetime and I don't think Freedom Hall registers those type of emotions.

 

I agree with you! Knowing a few players who played in a Sweet 16 in Freedom Hall, they said they wished it would have been in Rupp! There is a lot of History to Rupp, yes it does need some upgrading and widening of the concourse area, but as I said before, it has it's charm. As stated by many, it's like a cathedral, and the best cathedrals are older looking, iv'e been to the newer one in LA, I don't like it as much as if it was an older one!

 

Years ago players may have wanted to play in Freedom Hall, as back then many national championships where played there. I do not know the attendance for the NC high school games, but if I was playing there I would want it to be at Duke, as that gym has a bit of history.

I respectfully disagree.

 

Playing in Rupp for a team like East Carter or Muhlenburg County(35 bus loads of fans) means a whole lot. I am not a UK fan, nor is my son who is currently a sophomore, but playing in Rupp would mean a whole lot more to him than playing in Freedom Hall. The mystique of Rupp Arena cannot be matched by Freedom Hall or the New Arena. Our current group of seniors had the opportunity to play/sit on the bench when the varsity team made it to Rupp 3 years ago. On senior night when the senior bios were read to the crowd, more than one said playing in Rupp as the most memorable moment and chances are they did nothing more than shoot layups and jumpers during warm ups. Like I said, I am not a UK fan, but even I can appreciate the history of playing at least one game with your high school team on the same court in the same building that so many legends have played on. Going for the tipoff with that huge UK under feet is a moment those boys will have for a lifetime and I don't think Freedom Hall registers those type of emotions.

That's assuming that all kids are UK fans. Imo most kids today don't know or even care about the "traditions" that are Ky. basketball. A lot of the kids that you talk to probably don't even know why it is called Rupp Arena. I would be curious what the Louisville school kids would say if you asked them where they would prefer the tournament be held. I am a UK fan but I enjoyed moving the tournament back and forth between the two sites. Of course back then I was much younger and enjoyed the party atmosphere in Louisville better than in Lexington.

That's assuming that all kids are UK fans. Imo most kids today don't know or even care about the "traditions" that are Ky. basketball. A lot of the kids that you talk to probably don't even know why it is called Rupp Arena. I would be curious what the Louisville school kids would say if you asked them where they would prefer the tournament be held. I am a UK fan but I enjoyed moving the tournament back and forth between the two sites. Of course back then I was much younger and enjoyed the party atmosphere in Louisville better than in Lexington.

 

Kids could care less, don't know why this keeps getting brought up. As usual it is their parents,uncles or anyone over the age of 50 speaking for them. Bet you couldn't find 100 high school basket ball players that were in the crowd at any given session on spring break actually sitting watching a game, they were texting,talking or trying to pick up girls,which is as it should be.:thumb: The old school needs to get a clue, kids could care less,even the athletes.

According to this year's Sweet 16 program. The future state tournament dates are:

 

March 16-19 2011

March 14-17 2012

March 6-9 2013

March 19-22 2014

 

All of these are at Rupp Arena. It would appear that Rupp is hosting an opening round in 2013.

According to this year's Sweet 16 program. The future state tournament dates are:

 

March 16-19 2011

March 14-17 2012

March 6-9 2013

March 19-22 2014

 

All of these are at Rupp Arena. It would appear that Rupp is hosting an opening round in 2013.

 

So Rupp is locked in for the next 4 years and nothing can change that?

So Rupp is locked in for the next 4 years and nothing can change that?

 

Yes

I respectfully disagree.

 

Playing in Rupp for a team like East Carter or Muhlenburg County(35 bus loads of fans) means a whole lot. I am not a UK fan, nor is my son who is currently a sophomore, but playing in Rupp would mean a whole lot more to him than playing in Freedom Hall. The mystique of Rupp Arena cannot be matched by Freedom Hall or the New Arena. Our current group of seniors had the opportunity to play/sit on the bench when the varsity team made it to Rupp 3 years ago. On senior night when the senior bios were read to the crowd, more than one said playing in Rupp as the most memorable moment and chances are they did nothing more than shoot layups and jumpers during warm ups. Like I said, I am not a UK fan, but even I can appreciate the history of playing at least one game with your high school team on the same court in the same building that so many legends have played on. Going for the tipoff with that huge UK under feet is a moment those boys will have for a lifetime and I don't think Freedom Hall registers those type of emotions.

 

That's what I'm saying. I think it is about like kids in other states wanting to play in the Garden in NY. But, I guess I could see how life long U of L fans wouldn't be that excited. However the state is predominantly pro-UK when forced to pick sides.

Lexington has it until 2014.

 

:thumb:

That would be cool to see the Sweet 16 here in the new arena. :ylsuper: