As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com are highlighting notable pieces of the city’s history throughout 2025. Compiled by Liz Carey, these daily snapshots capture moments that have helped shape the city — joyful, tragic, surprising, and unforgettable.
A Giant Takes Shape
When Rupp Arena opened on Oct. 17, 1976, it immediately ranked among the largest basketball-specific venues in the country, rivaled only by massive domes like the Astrodome and Superdome. Construction began in 1974, launching a $50 million project that would also produce the Civic Center shops, the adjacent convention spaces, and the Hyatt Regency hotel.
The arena was projected to seat nearly 23,000 fans, each with a clear view of one of the arena’s four massive scoreboards. Those scoreboards — 35 feet long and four feet tall — hung from each corner, offering ultra-precise timing down to one one-hundredth of a second. Covering three acres and standing four stories tall, the facility made a powerful impression. Herald-Leader reporter D.G. Fitzmaurice famously dubbed it the “Taj Mahal in sneakers,” awestruck by its scale.
A Surprising Opening Act
Despite being built as the home of Kentucky basketball, Rupp Arena didn’t debut with a game. Instead, more than 20,000 people attended a two-and-a-half-hour performance by legendary accordionist and television star Lawrence Welk. Welk brought his full orchestra and TV cast, continuing the popularity that made him a household name for decades.
During the show, Welk invited the arena’s namesake, coach Adolph Rupp, to the stage and handed him a conductor’s baton. Rupp then led the crowd in “My Old Kentucky Home,” an iconic moment in the building’s early history.
Basketball Takes Over
The first basket in Rupp Arena’s history was made by Chip Rupp, grandson of Adolph Rupp and a future Vanderbilt player. The Kentucky men’s basketball team officially began play in the arena on Nov. 27, 1976.
From there, Rupp Arena became the backdrop for countless historic moments:
Dec. 21, 2009: Kentucky claimed its 2,000th win against Drexel.
Jan. 2, 2010: A record 24,480 fans watched Kentucky beat Louisville 71–62.
Nov. 8, 2010: ESPN ranked Rupp the third-loudest venue in college basketball.
It also became home to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Sweet Sixteen and a premier stop for touring entertainment — hosting everyone from Elton John and The Rolling Stones to Taylor Swift, Drake, P!nk, George Strait, Guns N’ Roses, and WWE Smackdown.
Modern Makeovers
Over its nearly five decades, Rupp has seen several major renovations:
2015: A $15.8 million update added a modern center-hung scoreboard, advertising ribbon boards, improved Wi-Fi, and new fan amenities.
2019–2022: A sweeping $310 million overhaul transformed both Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center with a new exterior, upgraded seating, an expanded suite level, new club and hospitality areas, technology improvements, a larger concourse, an outdoor plaza, and increased convention and exhibit space.
Celebrating Lexington’s 250 Years
