As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament, they’re finding the venue to be a unique challenge. Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, has been transformed into a basketball arena, with a raised floor and a massive ceiling that seems to stretch on forever.
The Wildcats are adjusting to the new environment, but they’re confident that their experience playing in different venues will serve them well. In fact, they’re drawing comparisons between Lucas Oil Stadium and their home court, Rupp Arena.
“I feel like it’s been pretty cool just to play in different environments; and for me, it’s my first time playing in a football stadium. That’s a pretty good experience,” said Koby Brea.
When asked about the differences between playing at Rupp Arena and Lucas Oil Stadium, Brea shrugged it off. “I don’t really think it changes anything. I always say if the ball is round and the rim is a circle, then I think it’s all the same thing. Just excited to get out there and play.”
Trent Noah echoed Brea’s sentiments. “I mean, at the end of the day, it’s still a 10-foot hoop and you still have a little orange basketball that you’re trying to put through it.”
Noah did acknowledge that the atmosphere at Lucas Oil Stadium is unique. “I mean, it’s definitely not like the Bucks arena that we were in (in Milwaukee), but I think a little of that can be mental.”
The Wildcats are focusing on the task at hand, rather than getting distracted by the unfamiliar surroundings. “At the end of the day, all of the other regulations are the same and the length of the three-point line. I think we should be alright,” said Noah.
Lamont Butler, who has experience playing in big games, including the Final Four, is taking it all in stride. “It’s definitely a little different. We’ve never played really in a football stadium, playing in an arena. Once we got our first shots up and figured it out, it’s normal at that point.”
Butler is excited to play on the big stage. “The last time I did it was at the Final Four. It’s a really nice setup and I’m ready to play on it.”
The Wildcats are looking forward to the challenge of playing in a unique environment. “It’s really cool. I’m a big NFL guy, I love to just sit down on Sundays and watch the NFL, so being able to play in the Colts arena is really cool,” said Noah.
As they prepare to take on their rivals, the Wildcats are confident that their experience and preparation will serve them well. “Everything else is just basketball,” said Butler.
The game is set to tip off, and the Wildcats are ready to put on a show. Will they be able to overcome the challenges of the unique venue and come out on top? Only time will tell.
