Looking for section numbers and the best seats by level? See the Rupp Arena Seating Chart.
Kentucky basketball's home in downtown Lexington
Rupp Arena is the downtown Lexington arena where the University of Kentucky men's basketball team has played since November 27, 1976. Named for coach Adolph Rupp, it holds 20,545 for basketball and also books concerts, the state high school Sweet Sixteen tournament and NCAA tournament games. The best basketball seats are the lower-level sideline sections around midcourt, 12 through 16 and 29 through 33; upstairs, the chair-back sideline sections 211–217 and 228–234 are the next choice.
Since 2020 the official name has been Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Central Bank bought naming rights to the surrounding convention complex, formerly called Lexington Center, in January 2020, and the Rupp name kept top billing for the arena. It is the same building, and nearly everyone still calls it Rupp.
How Rupp's seating is numbered
Rupp has two seating levels and, unusually for a building this size, no luxury suites. Section numbers here come from UK Athletics' 2019 season-ticket announcement and the RateYourSeats section directory, which agree.
Lower level: sections 11–44
The lower arena wraps the court in sections 11 through 44. Sections 14 and 31 sit at midcourt on opposite sides, with 12, 13, 15 and 16 around 14, and 29, 30, 32 and 33 around 31. The eRUPPtion Zone, a student standing area, sits behind one basket, and lower-level student seating extends into sections 33 and 34. Floor seats line the court on the sidelines.
Upper level: sections 211–244
Before 2019 the upper level was all bleachers. A renovation that year replaced them with chair-back seats in the sideline sections, 211–217 and 228–234, and added club spaces. The corner and end sections, 218–227, 235–236 and 242–244, kept their bleachers. Upper-level student seating moved to sections 238, 240 and 241.
Bleachers mean a bench with a marked spot, no back and less elbow room. For a two-hour game that difference matters more than a few rows of distance.
Best seats for a Kentucky game, and the ones to skip
Lower sideline
Sections 12–16 and 29–33 give the classic television view. Middle rows are the sweet spot: high enough to see over the benches and floor seats, close enough to hear the players. Most lower-level season tickets are tied to K Fund donations, so these seats reach the resale market mainly when holders cannot use them.
Lower ends and corners
Sections behind the baskets cost less in demand terms, but the view of the far end is foreshortened. The end near the eRUPPtion Zone is the loudest part of the building, which some fans count as a plus.
Upper level
The chair-back sideline sections, 211–217 and 228–234, are the best upper seats: centered, with backs. The bleacher corners and ends are the budget option and the steepest, farthest seats.
What drives demand
Kentucky has led the nation in home attendance 25 times. Louisville, SEC rivals and ranked nonconference opponents fill the building; the record crowd of 24,480 came against Louisville on January 2, 2010, before the renovation cut capacity. Early-season games against smaller schools are the easiest tickets.
Concerts
Rupp can be set up as a 2,300-seat theater, a 10,000-seat concert hall or a full arena. For end-stage shows, the lower sideline sections closest to the stage give elevated views of the performers.
Capacity and configurations
Rupp Arena's official basketball capacity is 20,545 after the 2019 renovation, often rounded to 20,500. Before that it was listed at 23,500, and the all-bleacher upper level let crowds exceed 24,000. For other events the venue can be scaled down:
- Arena: about 20,500
- Concert hall setup: 10,000
- Theater setup: 2,300
Parking, drop-off and getting in
As of 2026, the arena's main lots are across the street, reached from High Street or Maxwell Street, and are first come, first served. The High Street lot has the accessible spaces. Parking is cashless: cards and mobile wallets only. Prepaid parking is sold through Ticketmaster for some events in limited numbers. Because the lots are first come, first served, a big Kentucky game is the night to arrive well before tipoff.
The drop-off and pickup lane for rideshare, buses and cars is at the Main Street curb cut in front of Central Bank Center; no parking is allowed there.
Bag policy and entry rules
As of 2026, each guest may bring one clear bag up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches or one small clutch up to 9 by 5 by 2 inches, and every bag is searched. Diaper bags may be larger after inspection at the security desk. UK games and some concerts can add rules, so check the arena's A–Z guide before you go.
- Re-entry: not permitted during events; return items to your car before your ticket is scanned.
- Payment: parking and concessions are cashless; the box offices and artist merchandise stands still take cash.
- Smoking and vaping: not allowed inside.
- Strollers: allowed, and staff will direct you to storage.
- Accessible seating: sold through the Central Bank Center ticket office or Ticketmaster; UK games go through the UK ticket office.
History and big moments
Rupp Arena opened in 1976, about a year before Adolph Rupp's death; Lawrence Welk played the first show on October 17, 1976. It hosted the 1985 Final Four, three SEC men's tournaments between 1982 and 1993, and NCAA tournament games as recently as the 2025 first and second rounds. Kentucky became the first program to win 2,000 games here on December 21, 2009, and a January 28, 2017 crowd against Kansas set a Guinness record for the loudest indoor roar, 126.4 decibels, which stood for 17 days. A 2015 renovation added a center-hung video board and a new sound system, and the 2019 project added the upper-level chair-backs and clubs. The court is named Cawood's Court for longtime broadcaster Cawood Ledford. The Wikipedia entry has more.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rupp Arena the same as Central Bank Center?
Rupp Arena is the arena inside Central Bank Center, the convention complex formerly called Lexington Center. Since 2020 its official name has been Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
What is Rupp Arena's capacity?
The official basketball capacity is 20,545 after the 2019 renovation. Before that it was 23,500, and the record crowd was 24,480 in 2010.
Which Rupp Arena upper sections have chair-backs?
Sideline sections 211–217 and 228–234 have chair-back seats. The corner and end sections, 218–227, 235–236 and 242–244, are still bleachers.
What is the Rupp Arena bag policy?
As of 2026, one clear bag up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches or one small clutch up to 9 by 5 by 2 inches. Check the arena's current policy before you go.
Where do you park for Rupp Arena?
The arena's lots are across the street off High Street and Maxwell Street, first come, first served, and cashless. Prepaid parking is sold through Ticketmaster for some events.
What are the best seats at Rupp Arena?
For Kentucky basketball, lower-level sections 12–16 and 29–33 along the sidelines, with midcourt at 14 and 31. Upstairs, the chair-back sideline sections are the best value.