Rupp Renovation Loses Support

The mayor of Lexington, Ky., suspended efforts on a $351 million proposal to renovate Rupp Arena in an effort to build a new downtown convention center.

Photo: AP Photo / NBBJ + EOP + SCAPE

Lexington, Ky., city officials revealed the long-awaited redesign of Rupp Arena Feb. 10. The 38-year-old home for University of Kentucky basketball faced a setback in mid April.

Mayor Jim Gray said he decided to halt the upgrade effort after the University of Kentucky withdrew its support of a proposed annual $10.7 million lease on Rupp, beginning in 2018. Kentucky’s sports teams – namely its famed men’s basketball program – are the main tenants of Rupp.

Kentucky officials recently discussed a scaled-back upgrade to the building, Gray said. “We designed this arena based on what UK said they needed,” Gray said in a statement. “But I understand timing and pacing are everything, especially with major projects like this. So we’ll adjust and adapt.”

State lawmakers recently refused to provide state-supported bonding for the project. Their decision came soon after the basketball team played for another national championship but came up short.

UK President Eli Capilouto then wrote a letter withdrawing support for the arena and convention center project.

“I think the original project is still what Lexington and the university need and, in time, I hope UK will be ready to move forward,” Gov. Steve Beshear said June 18.

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