What can be realistically done to revitalize Rupp? Seems like there has been a steep decline in excitement at the arena since Cal got here. I've never seen a place that big be so quiet. Video boards are a start but that doesn't take away from the fact that a lot of UK fans are feel entitled to the experience and success of the team. That can't be changed with new features. I think we could benefit from a slightly smaller arena and a reset on season ticket holders, if that's even possible. I've played in Allen Fieldhouse, the fans commitment to each game is unmatched. Even Reed Arena gets louder than Rupp for big games. Rupp had that excitement and it wasn't even that long ago. Can it be brought back?
Can Rupp's atmosphere be improved?
- Thread starter coolcat9lives
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I think you just need to round up all of the sleeping old people, tell them there's free food outside, and then lock the doors behind them.
In before everyone starts claiming how much louder and more supportive they are than everyone who coincidentally happens to sit closer to the court than they do.
It is
It is too quiet at times, but I'd rather have it the way it is compared to a bunch of zit faced kids jumping up and down the whole game.
That is not true for Allen Fieldhouse. I played mid major ball. You could not hear calls from the court or the person directly next to you on the bench. Allen Fieldhouse is another level period.
My biggest issue with Rupp has always been that it is a very reactive crowd. It's a sit and wait for something to happen, then cheer, type of crowd.
You can't do that, but I think what you can do is this.
Take every season ticket holder and move them up 6 rows. And make the first 6 rows all students.
I've been to the Dean Dome, Allen Fieldhouse, all over the SEC ( Thompson Bowling arena, Walton etc. the way this board makes Rupp out to be a wasteland is ridiculous. I've been to games at Rupp that were extremely Loud and busy. And it's also far bigger and more intimidating than other places.
I went to Cameron in 2011 and the student section was half empty, you just couldn't see it on the TV because they were pushing them down to the floor as far as they could. it blew me away. Watching the game back in th hotel I couldn't notice how empty it actually was. Later the next day at a campus grill I asked some people about it. They told me Cameron is always having student section issues and they have to try and lure students in. I don't think schools like Duke could even fill 15,000 a night, much less 24,000.
It's all media hyped BS and I'll take Rupp any day over anywhere else.
This is what I was referring to.
Oh man 5'3 Asian foreign exchange students without a shirt on! And screaming! All the 16 year old soccer moms.........
Scary stuff.
Sell beer/alcohol for starters. Don't only get loud when a top ten play happens and then completely shut up as soon as the other team scores. Get old people who listen to the radio while watching out of the first 5-10 rows. Get loud every time the other team has the ball and try to rattle them. I was at the Gardner Webb game and I swear we would've won that game if the atmosphere was better. I know it doesn't really matter now, but it was pathetic and has been every game I've ever attended. Pretty sad really
Rupp is more of a reactive crowd than a proactive crowd especially for the no name teams that come in. Fans forget that the team is supposed to feed off the energy of the crowd, not the other way around. With all that said, there's no better big game atmosphere than Rupp. UK just has to find the middle ground
This is how sports crowds should always behave. Fans are not the entertainment. The athletes are the entertainment. When there's a big play or exciting moment, then I'd be the first to stand and scream my head off. But to simply stand and yell the whole game long is annoying as hell. I'll never attend another NFL game for this very reason.
During high school yes but not during college unfortunately. I have sat close to the court (5-10 rows up) several times. I use that for reference.
Exactly. I like the differing crowd reactions when bad *** things are happening. I'll pass on the 18 year old "retarded cheering" that happens at schools like Duke. Give me the professional atmosphere. It fits UK and Cal to have that tag. No gimmicks.
hands down MLB World Series games are the ultimate fan cheering experience.
When I was 20 I wanted all the "students on the floor" stuff but honestly I like sitting on the floor and prefer it the way we've got it.
I do think they should have an annual rival game played at Memorial though. Rotate our SEC rivals once a year or something.
Rupp Arena isn't an issue. Hell, it's just a building.
The problem is the inability of Kentucky's fan base to go nuts when UK is playing some stiff or a league opponent that nobody really cares about.
So the real question is can Kentucky fans pretend every opponent is Louisville (LOL)? I think we already know the answer.
GBB!!!
The problem is the inability of Kentucky's fan base to go nuts when UK is playing some stiff or a league opponent that nobody really cares about.
So the real question is can Kentucky fans pretend every opponent is Louisville (LOL)? I think we already know the answer.
GBB!!!
Just used to winning is all. Memorial Coliseum was same same pretty much.
It's easy to blame the building or even the fans but, some blame has to be placed on certain policies that Lex Center/Rupp Arena and even UK have imposed that help diminish the atmosphere as well.
How many times have we read or heard of experiences where someone in the lower arena wants to stand up and cheer loudly, only to be told to "sit down" by some older fans? And if the person standing refuses to sit down, it always results in a usher or security being called and then the threat of expulsion. I know not everyone can or wants to stand but, it IS a sporting event after all.
Next, why tie the hands of the students in regards to cheers and signs? It's my understanding that security at Rupp has a "no signs of any kind" policy in place. That's absurd! I remember that until maybe the mid 90's (possibly later) signs were all over Rupp. Heck, on Senior Day the entire upper balcony would be draped in banners wishing seniors and other players well.
Why is UK/Rupp so worried about a sign or cheer that might use innuendo or be slightly suggestive? Big deal! Stop with the hyper-sensitivity.
Again, it's a sporting event. People want to be passionate. LET THEM!
How many times have we read or heard of experiences where someone in the lower arena wants to stand up and cheer loudly, only to be told to "sit down" by some older fans? And if the person standing refuses to sit down, it always results in a usher or security being called and then the threat of expulsion. I know not everyone can or wants to stand but, it IS a sporting event after all.
Next, why tie the hands of the students in regards to cheers and signs? It's my understanding that security at Rupp has a "no signs of any kind" policy in place. That's absurd! I remember that until maybe the mid 90's (possibly later) signs were all over Rupp. Heck, on Senior Day the entire upper balcony would be draped in banners wishing seniors and other players well.
Why is UK/Rupp so worried about a sign or cheer that might use innuendo or be slightly suggestive? Big deal! Stop with the hyper-sensitivity.
Again, it's a sporting event. People want to be passionate. LET THEM!
Ban Mony Mony for flippin' ever!
Install acoustical panels to concentrate and deflect the noise level towards the court.
Have a decibel meter installed with an incentive for the crowd to gt louder than hell!
Install acoustical panels to concentrate and deflect the noise level towards the court.
Have a decibel meter installed with an incentive for the crowd to gt louder than hell!
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I think this thread is onto something.....not only should we circle the court with rowdy students, but maybe the dance squad could have short periods of time where they man the tennis ball cannons each half! That'll get the crowd into it!!!!!!
I think the solution would be to give me a season ticket. I will be happy to be an loud and excited fan for every game.
I know it won't happen but I would love to see this as well. I'd pick the team that held the rowdiest t-shirt game we faced the previous year and schedule a festival seating game in Memorial the next year.
Completely agree. Rupp is as good of big game arena as there is. Our fanbase is just not easily impressed. That will never change.
They can do a lot by changing the exact routine we have had the last 40 years. The new scoreboard with better sound system will help. Better music needs to be played. We need an organized chant to get the crowd into it and keep the crowd into it. Rupp never chants "Go Big Blue," but it gets the crowd going on the road and in neutral games.
uk can just do its part, changing seats will never happen but...pony up the cash:
- buy the laser system they use for BBM and use it for player intros
- smoke show, fire works for player intros as well
- better sound system
- better announcer for the PA, add life to it when uk scores
- no music later than the year 2000
- play music/sounds during the game like they do in the NBA
Not having the student section (eRUPPtion zone) at the end of the arena and moving it behind the benches would be a good start. Sure the Cameron Crazies might bounce around and sound like a bunch of idiots and wear funny outfits but at least they do have a proper student section!! 
Add some luxury boxes or premier seating with recliners with on demand Geritol about 35 rows up. Let students sit in the first 5-6 rows(however many to keep the same amount, maybe more). Maybe keep special seats behind the bench for auction. On a per game not season basis.
The young'uns left wouldn't notice until someone twitterbookchatted it.
But then, they would take their money, not contribute to the program, and all of you who continuously belittle those that helped fund this program and complex would be left wondering why you have to sat on bleachers in the rain.
If anyone could get the students surrounding the court it will be Cal!
just put advertising on the jersey or something. you would make that up and then some.
1. Extremely expensive purchase for use about 18 times a year.
2. We already have fireworks.
3. Coming with the retirement of Big Bertha.
4. Please, no And1 type stuff at UK games.
5. Most players and students have listened to very little music from BEFORE the year 2000. Why make them listen to "oldies"?
6. NO, NO and NO! There is literally nothing more annoying and distracting than the in-arena soundtrack that so many NBA teams feel the need for these days. The day Rupp installs a DJ and drum machine to pound out DEE-FENSE, DEE-FENSE, DEE-FENSE all night will be the last time I ever attend a game at Rupp.
I was student there in the beginning for Rupp Arena. Had the best seats ten rowes or so up from the center line as a student. It was dream like. Happy I got to do that