I went to see Justin Timberlake this week and was at Rupp for the first time. If you are able to get lower seat then the venue is probably pretty good. We however had top seating and it was horrible. The biggest issue is I felt like I was going to fall straight to the floor all night. The incline is so steep that I sat the whole show and gripped the bench seat I was on. I've been to upper level seating at many other areas and never felt this way. I've been to the Yum center and Wrigley Field, for example, and sit in the upper levels and it was fine. However, this was absolutely not something you could do if you even had a slight fear of heights. The second biggest issue is when you're in the upper levels you are actually above the lighting. I had most of my view obstructed by the lights that were hung from the rafters that were constantly shining in your face and honestly, I couldn't even see the screen that showed Justin. So basically you spend all night with a death grip on your seat, afraid to stand up because you literally feel like you're gonna fall straight to the floor and your view is obstructed. read more

Rupp Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

It was a pleasure to visit Rupp Arena for Blippi the musical. My family and I really enjoyed ourselves. Parking was a breeze, and we were greeted by staff holding the doors open. The staff were friendly and helpful. The lines to wait for concessions were not long because there were several staff available to assist. Thank you! My family and I look forward to our next event at Rupp Arena. read more

See all

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Devoted fan base. Check. Crazy fan base. Check. Roaring in your ears so loud and an electrifying crowd. Check. Oh wait, this is just for college basketball. What? Yes, I remember watching the Cats when I was just a young kid lucky enough to score nosebleed seats and watch some of the most amazing basketball games ever (Unforgettables, high school state championship, etc). Hands down, I thought I was going to fall to my death since we were sitting so high, but I didn't care because I was able to watch this all and experience the excitement live. Fast forward to my college years where I was able to witness more of this craziness, firsthand, and enjoy some cussing, chanting, craziness, and everything/anything associated with being a UK fan. Yes, I donned the crazy outfits, face painting, stickers, and eye-catching signs. I also waited around during the ticket lotteries on those Monday nights. Finally, when I worked in the Athletics Dept., I was able to get my own tickets as an employee. Although they weren't in the lower arena seating area (as it was during my undergrad years), I was still able to be a part of the action and experience the euphoria associated with being a crazy UK fan. I definitely miss going to this place on a regular basis, but then again it makes my trips back to KY well worth it. Now, not only do I remember the fun times that I've had in this venue, but the sheer volume of these crazy fans. I truly believe that the fan base is ultimately what makes this place so special and enjoyable. Yes, the players/talent that they exhibit plays a great part, but so do the fans. I also believe that the fans have had quite an impact on the longevity of such a place. One thing to be careful about is parking at Rupp or in the area. You definitely don't want to get towed or stuck in gridlock right before or right after a game. The only gripe that I have is that there are no private boxes. Yes, this seems like something minute, but I still think that this is important--although not important enough to deduct a star from my rating. Hands down a must see if you're in the area and can handle it. read more

See all

Fun to attend a UK basketball game. The arena did have some updates in the last year with more seats with seat backs but still has many seats that are bleacher style and the leg room for those over 6 feet is on idle. The lighting seemed to be low in many spots and the arena seemed to need some refreshing. We had good seats that were able to enjoy the game and had a good view of the UK bench so we could watch the coach and players. All in all a fun time. read more

This past weekend was the first time I have been to Rupp Arena in about 15 years and I have to say- not much has changed. The concert we went to- Paul McCartney- was fantastic. The lighting, sound, etc was all great. However, Rupp Arena is just old and in major need of an upgrade. We were fairly high up and the seats are all still bleacher style. It was so challenging to get to our seats- I knew I would not be going to the restroom or to get a drink during the concert. It took a really long time to exit when the concert was over too. After going to nice venues like the YUM Center locally, Rupp just can't compare. read more

If you are a University of Kentucky fan (or foe) you may have graced this location. But I've been to far more concerts here than basketball games that being said.... The acoustics here struggle with the big rock bands. But I have seen Kiss to Billy Joel here and I've not been mad if they have a decent sound crew. It does a better little with the smaller half house events. Parking can cost from $10-30 depending on the event.The upper arena is bench seating. There are wide isles so people can move around fairly easily. They have upgraded the concessions so you can find more than a hot dog. If there is something happening here that you would like to see, come to town! There are several places to eat around the area. Sawyers is one of my favourites. read more

I'm spoiled with the Yum Center here in Louisville. We came to Rupp to visit Sir Paul McCartney back in June. It was clean! The staff were great! But...the bleacher style seating was outdated and borderline unsafe in my opinion. I tried to help steady a few older folks as they made their way toward the top when I could. One gentleman actually fell a few sections over, and he had to leave before the concert even started. I'm not even being dramatic; it felt unsafe. It's a bit dizzying when you look down and imagine smashing bleacher by bleacher to your demise. I'm a wee bit squeamish with heights. I would have bought more drinks, but I was too scared to tackle the bleachers. Probably best I saved my money. But, McCartney was great, as per usual. read more

We went for the Air1 Positive Hits tour and it wasnt as wonderful as it could and should have been. Not because of anything to do with the artist but because the audio was way too high and piercing. At different points, you could barely understand what was being said or what they were singing. I think if the audio would have been leveled out, it would have been amazing! The artist did a great job and played their hearts out...just wish we could have made sense out of everything. The security check point was quick and friendly. The ushers were nice and helpful in finding where we needed to be. It was probably the least costly of an event I have ever been to! Hopefully they will get the audio on point for the next time! read more

Rupp Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Went To Rupp Arena for WWE Monday night Raw. And it was pretty good. The second seats in the lower bowl are nice. There padded plus each level has a letter. Fir securiity it s normal. Concession prices are bad not as bad as others. Small coke $5 wwe cup was $8. For bathroom ones are main level are small but there are ones at the top are biggeer. They do sell beeer and was $6 I think. Just came t get it during UK games. It s a good venue for any event. Also they must up coming event before the show as well. read more

Rupp Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

So much fun! You haven't lived if you haven't gone to see a UK game! That was seriously the most exciting basketball game I've ever been to! And this was just the first game of the season... nothing out of the ordinary!!! But they still did fireworks, had cheerleaders, the wildcat mascot, the UK dance team, and the band. There was so much excitement! And people really get into it with face painting and of course being color coordinated. and I really like that they serve beef jerky at the game. haha. I definitely agree with Megan C. though... the seats seem small and too cozy, there should be more space. read more

See all

Despite an affinity for the Kentucky Wildcats spanning back to my grade school years, I had never step foot in Lexington, let alone Rupp Arena. Having been stationed in Chicago for school for the better part of two years, my wife surprised me with a birthday trip to Kentucky to partake in all things Big Blue. Rupp Arena itself isn't that great. It's kind of historical thanks to the team, but without building charm, similar to the United Center in Chicago. But Big Blue Nation lived up to the hype, and then some. The fans here are silly passionate about their basketball team, and it shows. The arena is packed to the gills with fans in blue and white, a stark contrast from my time in Austin where fair-weather fans sparsely decorate the massive Erwin Center stands. (To be fair, Longhorns football gets 100K+ following on gameday Saturdays). There's a buzz about the fans, everyone attuned the game and giving the refs what for, even over seemingly innocuous calls. My section seemed to think every other handle by the Gator opposition was a travel. Very enjoyable camaraderie all around. The noise crescendoed in the second half as the Wildcats pulled away, en route to a 31-0 regular season. Go Big Blue. That is all. read more

See all

Why 3 stars? Because it definitely needs a face lift. --- --- --- It's the largest arena in the NCAA. All they have to do is turn the lights on, and it sells out. It's probably in the top 5 of the most famous basketball venues in the country. So... why is it so dumpy? I wouldn't say my experience was a bad one, but it reminded me of just a much larger version of my college's basketball arena. And that building is a total dive. I mean, Sam Houston State isn't exactly the face of college basketball. But doesn't Kentucky have a pretty decent chunk of change to spend on an arena face lift? I did find it oddly charming that the lines for soft serve ice cream were about 100 people deep. I had to see what all the fuss was about, but it turned out to just be pretty standard ice cream. Still... I can't help but wish I was going to a game tonight so I could have another one. Anyway... Rupp could use some big time upgrades. The unfinished concrete look everywhere could be touched up. They definitely need to upgrade their video boards. Real seats would be delightful. The list goes on and on. I'll say this. The experience here was really cool. UK was playing the basketball powerhouse known as Texas-Arlington. There was a zero percent chance that the outcome was going to be anything but a blowout win for the Wildcats. But the fans filled every seat, and were into the game like it was for the SEC Championship. They lived and died, oo'ed and ahh'ed with every play. Pretty much the opposite of a Tampa Bay sporting event. read more

I've been to good ole' Rupp many times throughout the years, but never for basketball so I can't comment on the games. Only concerts. As a matter of fact, my first concert ever was in the early 90s here. The Judds farewell and Garth Brooks opened. I never have to wait very long for my beverages, there's always restrooms available and I always have a blast. That's what gets my vote. I do like taunting other people in the pit during the concerts with my "L" sign though. I get the most outrageous looks. Go Cards! read more

It's all we've got, big venue wise. Antiquated interior. Needs serious updating. Only the Eagles could have gotten me to go, and they were spectacular enough to encourage me to go. read more

I was at Rupp Arena on Saturday night for the Paul McCartney concert. The show was fantastic! The sound and lighting were awesome. The food court and bar on the lower level of the arena were nice too. It was great to not have to wait outside in the heat for the doors to open and to be able to listen to a live band downstairs, while getting some food, a drink and buying some concert merchandise. The security and staff were friendly and efficient. My only complaint is the type of seating in the upper level. It's in need of a massive upgrade. The seating was so tight and uncomfortable that I'm not sure I'd go to another show at this arena, unless it's on a lower level. When we purchased tickets we had no idea that it was bleacher type seats. By bleacher, I mean a thin piece of metal placed on concrete risers. The seat numbers were stamped into the metal and inches apart. Thankfully, I stand for most music shows. When I did sit I had knees in my back, my hair accidentally pulled by the person behind me with their knees, feet in my butt and had to try to keep my knees from hitting the person in front of me. The 'seat' numbers are so close together that you need to turn almost sideways and you are still rubbing up against the people on either side of you. I'm not a big person and still found it so confining and uncomfortably close to other people. read more

It boggles my mind how a world class basketball program like that of the University of Kentucky plays in an outdated arena like Rupp. I actually like the adjoining convention facility relatively well, but the arena remains an oddity to me. read more

This is what I call Basketball Heaven. If you want to enjoy a college basketball game with 24,000 of your friends...this is the place to come. Parking can be a bother, but it's worth every step. Cats are fun to watch and you should add to your sports bucket list. Concerts aren't bad here either! read more

Rupp Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

See all

I went to the Kentucky-Tennessee game this past season and it was one of the best atmospheres I have ever been in! It was incredible to see 24,000 fans plus all cheering for their wildcats! The National Championship banners hanging from the rafters remind of the former and many great teams that have played on the Rupp Arena court and Kentucky monumental success. Also you can't go wrong with Rupp Arena Ice Cream either!! read more

Rupp Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

There is nothing better than catching a CATS game at Rupp Arena. Great atmosphere to be in, nothing but blue and white all over. If it's your first time viewing a game at Rupp you feel like a life time fan. The band will pump you up and the crowd will keep it going all night. read more

See all

I haven't been to Rupp is many years and I have to say, the sound of the Kentucky Rising Concert was not the best. I could only understand about one or two words of ten. If you pay for a concert you expect to understand the songs and the artists. read more

My first game day experience in Rupp did not disappoint! Big Blue Nation is no joke. The atmosphere was lively for most of the game, but the student section lacked the pep that I expected. We had seats in Section 232, and it offered a perfect vantage point of the action on the court. It doesn't seem like there is a bad seat in the house. The seats are a little tight, but that adds to the thrill of being at a college basketball game--shoulder to shoulder cheering on the Cats. The crowd moves pretty smoothly, too, through the stadium after the game. There are very few bottle necks, so you ought to stay to enjoy the entire game rather than duck out early to beat the crowd. The fact that the arena is right in downtown Lexington is awesome. I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't get a soft-served ice cream, but that only means I'll have to make it back soon to try it out. read more

(This review is for the stadium as a basketball arena.) If you are a UK fan, you will be in heaven here. The atmosphere is AMAZING. I was a little weary of bleacher seats (the top sections) at first, but it turned out to add to the atmosphere by making all 24,000 of your fellow big blue basketball friends really feel like family. The staff is super helpful and very kind. I would recommend this place to anyone who loves Wildcat basketball! read more

Rupp Arena - Stadium from the top section. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Best Stadium to watch College Ball plus you can get amazing Ice Cream and a great team

This is a religious sanctuary for those who bleed, live and die by Kentucky Basketball. Many sports analysts also say it should be on people's bucket lists to watch 1 game in this building and that, I personally have accomplished over a dozen times! There's a reason this arena competes with Syracuse with attendance to games; the freakin building holds and usually occupies all 24,300 seats even if the men's college basketball team is playing a crappy 2-15 team! The decibel level can reach the low hundreds in here. I took for granted the size of this building and assumed every basketball arena was this big until I went to a Boston Celtics game and then a UNLV game and was like WTF, where's the blue and white and the extra 6000 other seats? I'll admit that a casual nonfan of UK basketball will feel uncomfortable coming here for their first time, especially when rooting for an opposing team. Now granted there's a share of ignorant fans that frequent games to make opposing fans feel unwelcomed to never come back to this building, but all fanbases have these type of people. For the most part, the fans in this building are merely passionate about their team and are friendly and hospitable for the most part, especially the ushers. This place is definitely meant for a remodel and it would be awesome if they served beer and alcohol but you can't have everything I guess. read more

Finally made it to the famed Rupp Arena with my brother-in-law. We had an amazing time at the game and all of the staff was polite and helpful. We arrived pretty early, so the usher let us go down to the first row and check it out. Soft serve ice cream is apparently a thing here, and we tried it. It was pretty much like any other soft serve ice cream I've ever had, so sugar, milk and happiness. read more

Born and raised in Lexington, rupp arena is my home, but do not, I repeat do not waste your money or time on any concerts iheart radio puts on, they are a joke, 6 hours long and still don't see all the artists, freaking not worth it read more

My boyfriend and I went to Rupp Arena for the Faith Hill and Tim McGraw concert. As always, Rupp is a great host for any event and they have plenty of events always going on. We picked up our tickets at will call. Easy process. Went they security and was helped right to our seats after grabbing a snack and a drink for him. Prices are always fair, restrooms are very well kept and the stage/show details are always on point. Excellent place! read more

We came in from out of town to see the Eagles concert and ended up leaving early. We had seats (real seats, not benches) in the lower arena, section 30, row K, and it was so very hot in that place that we were soaked within 10 minutes. We tried to buy some bottled water after the first half of the show, but they'd sold out, so we ended up paying $4 for a paper cup of ice that was then filled with tap water. We were so hot and parched, we would have paid $10. I had never been to Rupp Arena before, and will be fine if I never go back. The Eagles were also disappointing. We thought they would rock the house, but they all stood in one spot on the stage like they were glued there (except for don Henley who spent a lot of time and effort moving between the drums and the mikes in front). They sounded like the Eagles, granted an older version of the Eagles, and they even managed to hit most of the high notes. But....there was no passion, no energy. It was like they were there to simply perform a gig and move on to the next town. Plus - they were super uptight about cameras to the point of announcing multiple times that cell phones be turned off and not used for pictures. Really? We don't even turn off cell phones on a freaking airplane anymore. We just saw U2 in Boston and it was a high energy, rock-the-house Event. They even moved around on stage! And....they didn't mind if people used their phones to take pictures (gasp!). We paid more to see the Eagles than U2 and I guess we just expected to get more from the Eagles than they were capable or willing to give. read more

It's Rupp! You don't have a choice if you want to go here or not. If you live in Lexington it's inevitable that you will go here at least once a year for a game or concert. Rupp will be going through an upgrade shorty to get box suites so hooray for those who will be able to afford these considering how expensive these tickets get. GO CATS! read more

Fine just the way it is. I really don't understand why they're going to spend millions to change it.

Came back over Christmas to my hometown. And my Mother was kind enough to surprise my Dad and I with tickets to go see the Wildcats become the first team to win 2000 games. Could not have received a better Christmas gift -- and to go with my Dad who played for Rupp back in the early '60's was nothing short of a wonderful moment I'll cherish for the rest of my life. It was just how I remember back when I was younger, and when I last had the opportunity. There's definitely more pizazz, but there's still the chants, still the passion. It's still Rupp. It's still the Cats! C-A-T-S! CATS! CATS! CATS! read more

Adolph Was Not a Fan of the Small Stall I had a great time at the Paul McCartney concert at Rupp Arena on June 1, 2019. However, I had quite an adventure when I attempted to use the restroom. Those of you who are able of body may not be able to relate to my situation. You see, it is easy to take for granted the most simple and basic needs. I entered the building via the food court and waited in line to use what I assumed was the handicapped stall. After my wait, I entered this stall and found it was large enough to accommodate my wheelchair but had no grab bars. When I asked an employee where I could find a more accessible facility, he gave me directions to what I think was the third floor of Rupp Arena. After a long wait, a handicapped stall opened that was properly equipped. When the concert was over I entered another restroom inside Rupp. This facility did not have a large stall that would allow a wheelchair to enter or any bars that would facilitate movement. The solution to this problem was not simple. I grabbed the tops of the adjoining stalls and propelled myself to the toilet. My son helped me pull up my pants as I clung to the partitions. I do not expect an apology nor do I seek any form of legal compensation. What I really want is to know that what happened to me at Rupp Arena will not happen to anyone else. I think there is a law making what I experienced a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, there is also an unwritten moral code that Rupp has violated. The unwritten law is that we do not ignore the basic needs of those with disabilities. In hindsight, I can laugh at this misadventure and chuckle about how going to the facility has added spice to my life. A long-time lover of Kentucky like myself knows that folks in Kentucky care about others with special needs. However, my greatest fear is that some out-of-state visitors may not get that same impression when they visit Rupp Arena. read more

I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, home of the wildcats. I love taking in a basketball game at Rupp Arena and have fond memories of hockey games, concerts, graduations, and indoor football from this arena. Five stars for nostalgia. It could definitely use some updating, however, and that's why I'm only giving it four stars. For the home of a national championship basketball team, I feel that the seats should be a little cozier and come with a bit more space. Staff has always been friendly, arena is clean, and the typical arena food options are available. read more

I went here for the sweet 16 KHSAA tournament and my experience was not the best. The workers in yellow were very rude. Especially the woman working in section 39. She started yelling at my friend and I for our ticket when we did not know we had to show her. I gave the worker mine and told her my friend was the same row as me and she then continued to yell at me for no reason and snatched my ticket from me. I told her she did not have to be rude and she told me that I was being nasty to her when I was not. This was March 7th at 12:00 noon. read more

Gaze! Ye. Upon the humble squid, it unites us. Fear not the apathy of chance! Graze the poppy fields of Valhalla while enjoying a Polish. Want not for a view (it's a cirlcle). Arby's of today is the heaven of tomorrow! Brigadoon! read more

GO CATS!! Home of the best team in college basketball. Rupp does a great job at keeping the place clean, especially the bathrooms which is great because nothing is worse than getting stuck with nasty public restrooms, amiright? read more

Rupp Arena - Graduation at Rupp! #BBN - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Very friendly and helpful staff. The security was also very good, not overly intrusive but very nice. Good arena read more

Rupp Arena - Disney on ice - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I'm sure it's a nice basketball venue but they suck every last bit of fun out of the concert atmosphere. This is the most low energy venue I've ever been to for a rock concert. They had chairs in the pit...I've never seen anything like it. We will see acts someplace else from now on. read more

A lot of money to get food but it was good. The game design is great. Not enough leg room but that is all right, I got a selfie with the mascot. Over all it was really fun. read more

Rupp is a historic venue and a tribute to the wildcats. Though our upper tier bleacher seats were not the most comfortable, the view of the court was good. The wasp's nest of speakers in the is a bit intimidating - but unique! What I really want to reivew are the vendors. They have large sections devoted to the usual dogs, pizza and pretzels, but if you wander the perimeter, you will find a great cajun vendor. Their crawfish etoufee was delicious. The bread pudding had a nice bourbon cream sauce, but the portion was huge - enough to share to 1 or 2 others. There is a nice little BBQ brisket place that makes homemade nachos that were very good. And also an Italian ice vendor - i think they have 2 locations. They have some fun ice and ice cream flavors that you can do in a combo. We tried the green apple ice with the salt caramel ice cream - yummy. My thumbs up to the Rupp vendors. Really nice if you don't have time to eat before your event. read more