City of Lexington celebrating 250 years of history through Basketball Week

This June, the city of Lexington officially turns 250 years old. To celebrate the town’s rich history, 2025 will feature a year’s worth of acknowledgment through unforgettable events that began in early January and will run until the end of the year. That includes celebrating the state’s love for bourbon, its award-winning thoroughbreds, and the beautiful Bluegrass countryside.

But there aren’t many more appropriate ways to recognize what Lexington encompasses than through the sport of basketball.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton announced on Tuesday that next week (Jan. 25-Feb. 1) will serve as Lexington Basketball Week. “It will feature a week-long celebration of those who have paved the way,” Gorton told reporters. “Making basketball a tradition of winning and excellence here in the Commonwealth.”

To kick off the fun, Kentucky men’s and women’s head coaches, Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks, met with dozens of local high school basketball coaches and even some high school athletic directors inside Memorial Coliseum. They were joined by members of their staff, along with the men’s and women’s coaches from nearby Transylvania University, for a photo op.

“Throughout the week, we will spotlight games played by both our high school and our college programs,” Gorton added. “And I encourage you to join in on the fun.”

Here in Memorial Coliseum where Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton is announcing next week (Jan. 25-Feb. 1) as Basketball Week.

Mark Pope, Kenny Brooks, and dozens of high school coaches are here. pic.twitter.com/yGrAxkmF1o

— Zack Geoghegan (@ZGeogheganKSR) January 21, 2025

The city is emphasizing basketball next week (even more so than usual), promising attractions and giveaways at local high school games to draw attendance. Gorton — who was a cheerleader while in school at UK, cheering on the likes of Louie Dampier and Mike Pratt — says to keep a close eye on the City of Lexington’s social media accounts and 250Lex.com for more information on what exactly is in store. Former players from all levels will be recognized throughout the week.

Of course, one game to keep a close eye on next week will be the Kentucky men’s basketball team’s matchup on Saturday, Feb. 1 — the final day of Basketball Week. The Wildcats host Arkansas and former head coach John Calipari that night for the first time since he left for the Razorbacks last spring. Rupp Arena will be buzzing for the special showdown.

“The players, staff and I are thrilled to be a part of the first-ever Lexington Basketball Week because our city lives and breathes basketball 24/7 unlike anywhere else in the country!” Pope, who returned to Lexington as coach this season after spending time here as a player in the late 1990s, said in a press release. “We are so excited to celebrate the passion for this great game with our fellow Lexingtonians and honor some of the city’s terrific players next week and in the years to come.”

The Kentucky women’s basketball team will host a couple of games that week, as well: Arkansas on Sunday, Jan. 26, and No. 19 Alabama on Thursday, Jan. 30. The freshly renovated Memorial Coliseum will house the two matchups with plenty of in-game festivities to promote Basketball Week.

“For me, it’s welcoming,” Brooks, who is brand-new to Lexington, told reporters. “I’m learning. Every time a coach comes up to me, it’s something that’s totally new for me. It’s exciting. I want to get to do more.”

Gorton believes this kind of celebration was long overdue for a city like Lexington. But she’s excited to finally get the ball rolling.

“When it comes to basketball, all roads lead to Lexington,” Gorton added.

Below is a rundown of all the upcoming games highlighted during Lexington Basketball Week.

Basketball Week Games (Jan. 25-Feb. 1)

Saturday, January 25

• Transylvania Women vs Rose-Hulman 1 p.m.
• Frederick Douglass Boys vs Dunbar 2 p.m.
• Transylvania Men vs Rose-Hulman 3 p.m.

Sunday, January 26

• UK Women vs Arkansas Noon
• Henry Clay Boys vs Lafayette @ LTMS 7:30 p.m.

Monday, January 27

• Henry Clay Girls vs Dunbar 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28

• Lafayette Boys vs Lex Cath 7:30 p.m.
• Douglass Girls vs Madison Southern 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 29

• Lafayette Girls vs Henry Clay 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 30

• UK Women vs Alabama 7:00 p.m.
• Dunbar Boys vs Tates Creek 7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 31

• Bryan Station G/B DH vs Douglass 6:00/7:30 p.m.
• Sayre Girls vs Wolfe County 6:00 p.m.
• Sayre Boys vs Scott County 7:30 p.m.
• Lexington Catholic Girls vs Lafayette 7:30 p.m.
• LCA Boys vs Lexington Catholic 7:45 p.m.
• Dunbar Girls vs East Jessamine 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 1

• LCA Girls vs Lexington Catholic 6:30 p.m.
• UK Men vs Arkansas 9:00 p.m.