I played in the state tournament in Freedom Hall before Rupp was ever built. I think for the players that it woudn't matter if the Sweet 16 was held outside , it's still the Sweet 16.

 

I'm not saying that it should be held anywhere over Rupp Arena, obviously the tournament has been more successful in Lexington, but my experience in Freedom Hall still holds those once in a lifetime memories. At that time it was the greatest thing that had ever happened to this young man, and to this day, it stills ranks pretty high.

I think that if Louisville had the same attendance as Lexington in the Sweet 16, most of these same people would still say it should only be held at Rupp. They're speaking as UK fans, not HS basketball fans. Thanks for the honest opinion, firebird. :thumb:

Rupp all the way. Freedom Hall is great, but if you've played at Rupp atleast once it's an amazing experience.

I think the tournament should be moved around or alternate years. I live about the same distance from both arenas. The girls state at Bowling Green is a long drive for those in the eastern part of the state. I think the site should be as neutral as possible. Louisville is not out of the way and they certainly are capable of hosting the state tournament. If I had the chance to go to the state tournament as a player, it certainly isn't going to matter if I play in Freedom Hall or Rupp. They are both great places to play basketball and the state of Kentucky should be proud of the history and traditions they both hold. And whether anyone is a UK fan, U of L fan, or in my case both, that should be the least of considerations. Proximity, hotels, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment of course are important. But the bottom line is the dollar. That is going to be the most important factor in site selection. Like it or not, Louisville is a nice city that has a lot to offer.

Keep it in RUPP!

It is all explained when someone compares driving in Louisville to driving in New York City. The rest of the state outside of Louisville views Lexington as Big City America. The attitude of the rest of the state towards Louisville is truly unbelievable. Louisville is not a bad evil place as many seem to believe. Both are great hosts. The tournament should rotate. The convention industry should have to compete with prices, quality of hotels, etc. Contrary to most Kentuckians, Lexington is not a big city, only in the eyes of UK fans.

Most basketball players in Kentucky grow up dreaming of playing at Rupp Arena. This is one of the best venues in basketball.

Not to knock Freedom Hall but the tradition is deeper at RUPP.

KEEP IT THERE.

 

Nothing at all against Rupp and the tradition but you might want to go back and check the very long and rich tradition of Freedom Hall. I think you would be quite surprised of just how much history it has.

The ONLY thing I'm going to say about Louisville driving is....

 

 

If you think Louisville is the worst place to drive, do NOT go to Detroit, Atlanta or Chicago. Of all the places I've been, the absolute WORST place to drive is Detroit, the city of "you can't get there from here". In Louisville, it's so simple it's scary...In downtown, numbered streets run north and south, named streets east and west. The parkway system in Louisville serves as connectors to some of the major surface arteries, and are anchored by major parks in Louisville. Not so hard....

 

 

Freedom Hall is a fabulous place to watch a basketball game. I've had the pleasure of watching U of L there for years, and go to the Trinity/X basketball games there. It's really hard to say that the atmosphere there isn't "rockin'".

 

However, all that said, if given the choice between the football championships, or the Sweet 16....my vote goes to keeping the football!

Play it in Diddle Arena.

Nothing at all against Rupp and the tradition but you might want to go back and check the very long and rich tradition of Freedom Hall. I think you would be quite surprised of just how much history it has.

:thumb:

The ONLY thing I'm going to say about Louisville driving is....

 

 

If you think Louisville is the worst place to drive, do NOT go to Detroit, Atlanta or Chicago. Of all the places I've been, the absolute WORST place to drive is Detroit, the city of "you can't get there from here". In Louisville, it's so simple it's scary...In downtown, numbered streets run north and south, named streets east and west. The parkway system in Louisville serves as connectors to some of the major surface arteries, and are anchored by major parks in Louisville. Not so hard....

 

 

Freedom Hall is a fabulous place to watch a basketball game. I've had the pleasure of watching U of L there for years, and go to the Trinity/X basketball games there. It's really hard to say that the atmosphere there isn't "rockin'".

 

However, all that said, if given the choice between the football championships, or the Sweet 16....my vote goes to keeping the football!

People in Louisville care more about the football championship... that's why I think the status quo is fine, and I don't really have a dog in this fight.

$$$$$$$$

All it is. Two nice venues...Rupp and Freedom Hall.

However, the connection to the Hyatt as well as other hotels, plus being in the downtown area brings in mad cash to the local businesses and hotels and is a much more friendly atmosphere outside of the arena.

Bottom line, the State Tourney at Rupp fills the pockets of the KHSAA, as well as surrounding businesses...

$$$$$$$$

All it is. Two nice venues...Rupp and Freedom Hall.

However, the connection to the Hyatt as well as other hotels, plus being in the downtown area brings in mad cash to the local businesses and hotels and is a much more friendly atmosphere outside of the arena.

Bottom line, the State Tourney at Rupp fills the pockets of the KHSAA, as well as surrounding businesses...

 

Forgot about the centralized location of Lexington with the rest of the state!!

Keep football in Louisville, Basketball in Lexington.

It's easier for me to get to Lexington, so I'm going to say Rupp.

Rupp