Club level speaks to large spaces behind the seating areas that have food and drinks. You would leave your seat and not be able to view the game while you’re in these areas. Sounds like there will be 3 that are automatically included with specific ticket holders and 1 open to anyone.
Rupp losing 3000 seats
- Thread starter jedwar
- Start date
With 360 degree VR already in use and a very new technology, viewing sporting events will take a new level in the next 5 to 10 years.
I could imagine schools and pros offering a VR game seat stream with surround sound as products.
Here is an example of 360 video in use by SNL w/ Charles Barkley: (use your mouse to rotate the view )
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Kids want to see scores, stats, post pictures, you name it on their phones. Denying them of doing that is just being stubborn and OLD. Rupp needs to improve WiFi access as well so younger people can do all of that. Just the facts of that generation. Deny them and they won’t come at all.
Reducing the size but making it better is a great solution. Less people are going to ALL sporting events. So UK will still set the standard in attendance as other schools are suffering from teh same declines.
Reducing the size but making it better is a great solution. Less people are going to ALL sporting events. So UK will still set the standard in attendance as other schools are suffering from teh same declines.
Students don't show for bb/fb and there are tons of fans who still think tickets should be 3.50 each. Concessions water/cokes are what's an outrage
Damn I'm getting cheated, I'm not getting mine.:scream::smiley:
It will be virtual fans. Cheering buttons and posting, like a twitter arena LOL.
Stay faithful !
Mitch might give you a coupon for a Coke if you buy a ticket for the Middle Tennessee football game.
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I try to get to Rupp 2 or 3 times a season. I know that renovations are long overdue and we definitely need chair back seats in the upper arena, where I normally sit. The down side to losing seats is that it will be harder to snag tickets against decent opponents without having to pony up even more money for second hand seats.
If you haven't seen it this is the email that Mitch sent to season ticket holders:
Dear xxxx,
Rupp Arena has long been hallowed ground, home to the greatest tradition in college basketball, the best fans in the world and 20 attendance titles in the last 23 years. Today, we are in the midst of an effort to make one of the most special venues in all of sports even better. You have seen the fruits of that effort thus far with a new sound system and lighting plus new ribbon boards and a center-hung scoreboard that have created a more dynamic game experience, while the painting of ceiling ductwork has made Rupp feel even more like Kentucky.
Now, I write to tell you about the next phase of this process, which we originally introduced when we agreed to a new lease in December 2016 and formalized the agreement earlier this year. The most significant part of this phase is the replacement of bleachers with chair-back seating in the upper-level sideline sections 211-217 and 228-234, through a project that will be completed in the coming seasons. We have long heard from fans about the need for more comfortable accommodations in the upper level, and we are excited to answer that feedback.
We realize you will have many questions as we move forward. As we work with our partners at Rupp Arena on construction timelines, we will communicate additional information later this summer regarding a new seat selection process for all upper-level season ticket holders. We can share the following important information at this time:
In addition to new chair-back seating in the upper level, the renovation will bring new club areas to Rupp Arena for the first time. Fans in these new clubs will be able to enjoy first-class amenities before, during and after games. These new clubs are crucial to providing the funds necessary for both the new lease agreement and the ongoing renovation of Rupp Arena.
We look forward to sharing more updates on these exciting new changes coming to Rupp Arena. As construction on the overall project progresses later this year, we do anticipate that game-day parking and arena entry will be impacted during the 2018-2019 season. We will keep you informed with more specifics as we approach the upcoming season. Please keep in mind that club spaces and upper-level chair-backs will not come into effect until the 2019-2020 season. We will be sending renewal information for next season in July.
In the meantime, we are available to answer any questions. Please do not hesitate to contact the Ticket Office at (800) 928-2287 or the K Fund Office at (859) 257-6300 with questions. You may also reach us by email at[email protected] or [email protected]. Also, please checkUKathletics.com/RuppRenovation regularly for updates.
We are excited about the bright future of our men’s basketball program in Rupp Arena and adding to the unmatched legacy we have built in our longtime home. You, the Big Blue Nation, make that possible. Thank you for your passionate support and investment in our program.
‘til the Battle is Won,
Mitch Barnhart
Athletics Director
Dear xxxx,
Rupp Arena has long been hallowed ground, home to the greatest tradition in college basketball, the best fans in the world and 20 attendance titles in the last 23 years. Today, we are in the midst of an effort to make one of the most special venues in all of sports even better. You have seen the fruits of that effort thus far with a new sound system and lighting plus new ribbon boards and a center-hung scoreboard that have created a more dynamic game experience, while the painting of ceiling ductwork has made Rupp feel even more like Kentucky.
Now, I write to tell you about the next phase of this process, which we originally introduced when we agreed to a new lease in December 2016 and formalized the agreement earlier this year. The most significant part of this phase is the replacement of bleachers with chair-back seating in the upper-level sideline sections 211-217 and 228-234, through a project that will be completed in the coming seasons. We have long heard from fans about the need for more comfortable accommodations in the upper level, and we are excited to answer that feedback.
We realize you will have many questions as we move forward. As we work with our partners at Rupp Arena on construction timelines, we will communicate additional information later this summer regarding a new seat selection process for all upper-level season ticket holders. We can share the following important information at this time:
- Seating will NOT change for season ticket holders for the upcoming 2018-19 season.
- A new seat selection process for all upper-level season ticket holders will begin with the 2019-2020 season. We will communicate further details as they are developed later this summer.
- K Fund priority rankings will determine the order of the seat selection process, and we will work closely with you to help YOU choose the right seats.
- After renovations, Rupp Arena will seat approximately 20,500. Our top priority is ensuring that all current season ticket holders will maintain seats in the newly renovated Rupp Arena and we fully anticipate being able to do so.
- Lower-level season ticket locations will NOT be affected.
In addition to new chair-back seating in the upper level, the renovation will bring new club areas to Rupp Arena for the first time. Fans in these new clubs will be able to enjoy first-class amenities before, during and after games. These new clubs are crucial to providing the funds necessary for both the new lease agreement and the ongoing renovation of Rupp Arena.
- Two clubs available to season ticket holders will open for the 2019-20 season, with another to follow in 2020-21.
- Club membership does not include a ticketed seat; club members may have seats throughout Rupp Arena. Season ticket holders may purchase club memberships to accompany their season ticket package.
- Club membership pricing and amenities will be announced as soon as details are finalized, and sales will begin shortly thereafter. Memberships will initially be offered to season ticket holders based on both K Fund priority ranking and donor level.
We look forward to sharing more updates on these exciting new changes coming to Rupp Arena. As construction on the overall project progresses later this year, we do anticipate that game-day parking and arena entry will be impacted during the 2018-2019 season. We will keep you informed with more specifics as we approach the upcoming season. Please keep in mind that club spaces and upper-level chair-backs will not come into effect until the 2019-2020 season. We will be sending renewal information for next season in July.
In the meantime, we are available to answer any questions. Please do not hesitate to contact the Ticket Office at (800) 928-2287 or the K Fund Office at (859) 257-6300 with questions. You may also reach us by email at[email protected] or [email protected]. Also, please checkUKathletics.com/RuppRenovation regularly for updates.
We are excited about the bright future of our men’s basketball program in Rupp Arena and adding to the unmatched legacy we have built in our longtime home. You, the Big Blue Nation, make that possible. Thank you for your passionate support and investment in our program.
‘til the Battle is Won,
Mitch Barnhart
Athletics Director
Then what happens when students don’t show up for a November game against ally state.
I went to the Vermont game this year (tickets given to me from university for early renewal
Of football tickets from university). We was eleven rows up in upper deck, no one was behind us, The eruption zone wast even close to half full. All these areas are student tickets, and couldn’t be filled. If they can’t fill 15 rows in an end zone, how they going to fill all around the arena?
A different setup where you can see the game would be nice. Students will show up... and the environment will take a step in the right direction. Are you saying that other students at all other universities are showing up every game. If so, why? Are they just bigger basketball fans? I'd say not.
I'm not seeing it as a good thing. To me it's just part of the steady progression of top tier ncaa teams turning into nba clones and chasing the money. I admit there is a problem with student attendance but the university should look to change that. I loved going to games as a student and think that excitement is something that needs to be available for, and encouraged for, current students. Recent students seem to feel disconnected from the athletic programs.
I'm reluctant to blame students or fans. And while I'm sure people will disagree, whether they like to admit it or not, part of the problem is watching UK play a team like Vermont for $30 or higher tickets with UK players who you don't even know their name, then afterwards hear about all the reasons justifying why you just say thru a poorly executed basketball game
Its a shame the students don't share the same passion as we feel they used to, part of that may be just taking for granted the students will show up no matter what.
If the people running the program feel they have to make adjustments that's fine, but I hope they have a pretty good pulse on the UK fanbase in this regard and not the just the ones making $200K a year.
I agree I have Seats in Section 13 and I stand up and do cheer I clap to every playing of On On U of K if people pay the outrageous K fund donations let them sit.
Can someone tell me why the eruption zone is on KY's end of the court and not the other to assist in the disruption of late game free throws from our opponent?
"we need more energized fans that stand up during the game, that's why were taking 3000 seats out and replacing them with seats that are more comfortable to sit in "
Good point. Seems like it'd be super easy to either switch team bench sides and the directions they begin each game shooting, or to switch the student section and season ticket seats to opposite sides. I don't see why either solution would make any difference to the people affected, and would only help to serve as a potential late game advantage for the Cats.
A team like Vermont? The same team who was coming off an NCAA tourney apperance (a ten point loss to Purdue) who returned its entire starting lineup. After going 29-6? Then following it up this season going 15-1 in conference and 27-8 this season. Terrible team I tell you. Who we beat 73-69. I hate when we play teams that don’t make you any better......
spin it however you want. playing Vermont doesn't fill up the arena, doesn't excite the fans
I' just happy the painted those damn Orange ducts another color and all the seats will be blue..Love them do go with a lighter wood color on the court and dim the lights more in the crowd section bringing the court a live even more..Like the look at the Bahamas resort when teams play there in the summer..Are they still talking about showing the games on the exterior wall outside of Rupp and having people be able to watch it outside
I would love to see everyone in the student section hold up signs that look like rims and could you imaging trying to shoot a free throw with everything looking like a rim
It’s not a spin, they aren’t showing up for any games outside of Florida.....
Kentucky attendance this year was lowest in cal era for the season. Down over a 1000 from previous year. All these unfilled seats are STUDENT TICKETS that are then opened to the public. They still didn’t sell out. So downsizing it sure ain’t gonna hurt. But with student attendance down that much, putting them around the court sure ain’t gonna work. They had trouble most of OOC games filling 500 or so eruption zone tickets!
Change of the times, When looking at a graph of attendance can see it’s been on a decline pattern for several years.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.se...tball-rupp-arena-lowest-john-calipari-era/amp
You guys will say anything to span it. Losing seats is never good. Now prices will go up and it will be harder to go see a game. Once UF/UL/maybe UNC teams come to town we'll only have 20,000? Really we gonna be Kansas?
Also under Match's watch louisville has more seats now in football and basketball.
Is our program going down hill?
Also under Match's watch louisville has more seats now in football and basketball.
Is our program going down hill?
The problem with students not filling up their allotted seats could have been fixed long ago if UK had really wanted to. Just force students to claim their tickets no later than 24 hours before tipoff. When that deadline passes, make those unclaimed seats available at the Rupp ticket window to ANYONE for the same price the students would have paid. Problem solved.
is the goal to maximize fan attendance or maximize profits?
I'm fairly confident UK could fill up those empty seats if it was a priority.
I'm pretty sure all those empty seats in the eruption zone and in the student section in general were a bad "look" for UK and this new policy/effort was possibly spurred on by that. But, if the school wanted to just fix the problem of so many empty seats then allowing walk-up ticket purchases of unclaimed seats would have been a easy fix.
Of course UK is all about making money. That's what ALL sports are quickly becoming.
I vowed never again to purchase seats in the upper arena a few years back due to the bench seating. I took my son and spent the majority of the game with one cheek hanging off the aisle seat because the couple next to us weighed a combined 600 pounds and could not fit in their "seats". The cane and oxygen tank they brought were awesome too. This is a great move by UK.
They strategy being employed is pretty straightforward. It is well established now that fewer people are going to the venues to watch sporting events. The best and only way to maintain or even possibly increase revenue is to enhance the experience for those willing to pay for it. This prices many fans completely out but they likely aren't going much anyway. Either you increase revenue per seat or you get left behind.
Until they figure out how to get the Intense rowdy fans and students around the court it will be dull as usual.
my concern is left behind from what? Is the blueprint for having the #1 basketball program in the nation transforming your arena from a college venue to an NBA one?
I would much rather UK focus on why students and fans aren't attending games like they used to rather than take the step of reducing access for both while making the venue more enjoyable for the people who contribute large amounts to the K-Fund and have generational season tickets.
Every week during the season we have complaints about the blue hairs, every week during the season we hear about how the venue needs the students engaged and rowdy, closer to the floor, etc., etc., - and fwiw, I've usually sided with blue hairs who foot the bills in those arguments
Its seems to me this move its just the opposite to the standard complaints about Rupp I've read on here (meaning the evolution of the UK message board) for 2 decades.
UK shot down an on campus arena because of a very favorable deal with Rupp. Admittedly I was against the cost of an on campus arena but the rationale was Rupp was large, accessible, affordable and an icon. They would do some cosmetic changes, swap out big bertha for video and address seating to keep UK happy.
Part of the value of the UK fanbase to UK is their dedication, they sell out Rupp, they lead the nation in attendance, they travel.
If this isn't happening or is on decline, the solution seems counter intuitive to me to revamp the venue to make it more exclusive. If people aren't going to Rupp, its not because they don't have 5 full service bars sellings $15 cocktails and brick oven artisan flatbread pizzas.
If that's what it takes to get people to watch UK basketball live in person, then something is very wrong.
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