The arena is home to the University of Kentucky basketball program, but it’s also past its prime and, although it does not have any enemies, some say it has served the city well but must be retired.

Tom Minter, who was in charge of opening the Lexington Center that includes Rupp, said a new arena will not do anymore than Rupp has.

“Rupp has done, in my opinion, a larger number of events than most cities of our size, purely because of the way the facility works for the city,” Minter told the Lexington Herald-Leader.

However, Mayor Jim Gray has said the arena could use a renovation.

“It needs to be the best – state of the art,” he said earlier this year. “Making it the best is a responsible investment in our Lexington brand.”

Rupp lacks sky boxes, seats with backs, wide concourses and adequate women’s restrooms. It also contends with Louisville’s new KFC Yum Center, which has attracted many concerts, including Lady Gaga, Elton John and Justin Bieber, among other events.

However, a new Lexington arena and convention center is estimated to cost between $200 million and $300 million.