Members Of Kentucky's Faculty Wants The School To Change The Name Of Rupp Arena, Hopefully They Change Everything About The Place

[KSR] - “The University should rename Rupp Arena,” the letter reads. “The Adolph Rupp name has come to stand for racism and exclusion in UK athletics and alienates Black students, fans, and attendees. The rebuilding of the arena and the convention center offer an opportunity to change the name to a far more inclusive one, such as Wildcat Arena. In addition, the University should survey all campus buildings and remove all names of enslavers, Confederate sympathizers (such as William C.P. Breckinridge), and other white supremacists.”

This isn't exactly shocking. It was only a matter of time before a group of people tied to the university asked the university to change the name of Rupp. I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I know Rupp - the dude died 10 years before I was even born. But for some, the stories and rumors of Rupp have been passed down and that's what they hear. 

Honestly, I don't have a problem if they change Rupp Arena. Is it synonymous with the program? Sure. But it's not like it's some sick name - although the eRUPPtion Zone is a great pun. I think it's possible to still honor Rupp for who he was a successful coach while keeping everyone happy. Let's not pretend like the same rumors about Rupp are limited to just him either. That said, it's almost perfect timing for this to happen. 

Rupp Arena needs changed, because Rupp Arena low key sucks outside of big games. 

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Rupp Arena is a dump. I absolutely hate it. I hate that Kentucky plays there. It deserves so much better. Let’s start with the fact that people don’t even know that Rupp Arena is well, Rupp Arena. There are a couple of boring ass signs outside the arena that gives you an idea. But, it’s part of the goddamn Lexington Convention Center!

Then there’s the argument of the setup inside, once you actually make it past the shopping center. Kentucky fills the bottom of the arena with blueheads. For those not familiar with the term it’s essentially just old people that don’t know how to get loud consistently.

They put the students behind one basket – and a bit far off the court. Then they have a section behind the bench in the lower level and an upper level section. It’s not ideal for an atmosphere. It gets loud simply because it’s so goddamn big and that makes for an intimidating home court advantage. But, there are times it’s absolutely quiet there. If you sit lower level there’s a chance you get asked to sit down by someone behind you wearing a fake blue wig. The moment something goes wrong the cheering stops for a few moments.

There are renovations being made but change all of it. Fuck it. Make it the gold standard like Kentucky deserves. Call it Wildcat Arena. Call it Wintrust Bank Arena. I don't care, it's a fucking name for a stadium. If it makes a group people very uncomfortable, look to change it. Just keep winning games inside of it.