Renovations to Memorial Coliseum have been approved by UK Athletics

Earlier this week, it was reported that we had an expected completion date for the upgrading of Nutter Field House and the new construction of the Jim Green Indoor Track and Field Center. The project will be completed by the end of the 2023 year.

But that was not the only big expansion project announced and approved by UK Athletics this week. On Thursday evening, UK issued an official release that stated that Memorial Coliseum will be getting some major renovations.

“I’m excited about the impact this will have on the entire campus and community, along with our athletics programs,” said Mitch Barnhart, UK Director of Athletics. “This is the largest single investment in women’s sports in our history and we are thrilled about the transformational effect for UK Athletics.”

The @UniversityofKY Athletics Committee has endorsed the Memorial Coliseum renovation, home of four teams: @KentuckyWBB, @UKGymnastics, @uk_stunt & @KentuckyVB, numerous campus events and a place of honor for Kentuckians who died in military service.

📰🔗https://t.co/G9r0hrbofQ pic.twitter.com/Nq3nQ4dNJX

— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) February 16, 2023

Memorial Coliseum is home to four University of Kentucky women’s sports teams, a host of numerous campus events, and a place of honor for Kentuckians who have died in military service.  The University Athletics Committee approved the recommendation on Thursday. The plan now must be approved by the Board of Trustees on Friday.

The renovation will fully modernize a facility built in 1950 and will expand the ability to host campus events and student-led events such as DanceBlue and Greek Sing. The upgrades will include the entire building interior and provide modern seating for sporting events. The upgrades will improve the overall experience for the female student-athletes who represent Kentucky.

The estimated cost for this project is $82 million. The goal is for the venue to be ready for athletic use in the fall of 2024 while other areas are being finished. Teams affected will compete in the 2023-24 school year at other venues to be determined.

Members of the Big Blue Nation interested in financially supporting this project can do so here. Or donations can be made to the K Fund at 859-257-6300. UK Athletics also has specific renderings of the upgrades published on their website.

Big changes are coming to Memorial Coliseum.