How the State of Kentucky Reacted to Rick Pitino at Rupp Arena

Rick Pitino is on the Mt. Rushmore of Kentucky Sports Figures. The New York transplant spent just shy of 25 years coaching the two biggest programs in the state. He won a National Title for each school and made six trips to the Final Four. If that isn’t “Kentucky” enough for you, he’s owned horses who have raced in the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

His actions made him a centerpiece of sports in the state of Kentucky. His hyperbolic words made him the most interesting character we’ve seen in a generation.

If you were casting a reality TV show, Rick Pitino would be your first choice. Some hate him, some love him. No matter what, when he does something, it elicits an emotional reaction and that is exactly what happened on Friday night when he returned to Rupp Arena for the first time in almost a decade.

Once the villain, he returned as a conquering hero, blowing kisses to the Big Blue Madness crowd. Instead of boos, he received an ovation. It wasn’t the only reaction felt across the commonwealth of Kentucky.

UK was the wife he regretted leaving. He always compared his early UL teams to her, it was exhausting.Then she got remarried to Calipari and was happy, DROVE RICK CRAZY and only reason he embraced card land. With Rick it’s always glory VS drama and we are all suckers pic.twitter.com/KcAygtUAp9

— Tony Vanetti (@tonyvanetti) October 12, 2024

The marriage analogy feels spot-on. It’s also impossible to ignore the connection between Pitino, Calipari, and Kentucky.

FWIW…I don’t think Rick Pitino is trying to troll Louisville fans. Not sure we’re on his mind much anymore…

The one person he was certainly thinking about and hoping would see him on the floor at Rupp Arena being honored…

John Calipari pic.twitter.com/I1TkoahK0y

— Nick Coffey (@TheCardConnect) October 12, 2024

Some UofL fans are handling it better than others.

Rick Pitino couldn’t even let his own guy be the star of his first Big Blue Madness as head coach. Rick First, Pitino Forever.

— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) October 12, 2024

Others had more positive reactions to Rick Pitino’s return. Oscar Combs, who was courtside for his entire 8-year tenure at Kentucky, called this the best Big Blue Madness in 40 years.

Best Big Blue Madness ever at Rupp Arena in Lexington. Welcome home Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) . . . Nuff said? pic.twitter.com/x7a0I0sySy

— Oscar Combs (@wildcatnews) October 12, 2024

The name on front of jersey is ‘K-E-N-T-U-C-K-Y’ not ‘NBA.’ What a frenzy of a joyous return for Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) reminding everyone it’s about the school, not a coach. Back in the hills, you’d call this a 1950s ole time tent revival. Repent, rebirth and glory to all. pic.twitter.com/LzdyduBrEP

— Oscar Combs (@wildcatnews) October 12, 2024

National Media Reaction to Pitino

I LOVE stuff like this.

Rick Pitino gave Kentucky fans some of the best memories they'll ever have. Shouts to Mark Pope for bringing his coach back to Rupp to be celebrated with a standing ovation. I know that experience meant the world to Rick.pic.twitter.com/G7406QwF7C

— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) October 12, 2024

I get why Louisville fans are mad that Pitino showed up at Big Blue Madness but the man spent nearly the entire time he was at your school referencing how much he wished he had never left Kentucky. Were you guys listening or did that part just go in one ear and out the other?

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 12, 2024

St. John's fans, serious question: How do you feel about Rick Pitino showing up at Kentucky and throwing on a Kentucky polo?

Know he's just supporting his former player, but low key, I'd be kinda pissed if this was my coach 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/aHSMCJDv5k

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) October 12, 2024

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.