Mitch Barnhart on Memorial Coliseum renovation: 'It has been a long time coming.'

Over a year in the works, Memorial Coliseum has undergone a complete transformation. For the last 70 years, the gym has served the University of Kentucky well. On Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, the University approved a historic renovation for the outdated facility.

Not many are more excited for the grand reveal than Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart.

“It’s sort of a little bit surreal because it has been a long time coming,” Barnhart said on BBN Tonight with Maggie Davis. “I’m super thankful for the partnership of the university. It is an iconic facility that means a lot to the history of the University of Kentucky dating back to Adolph Rupp and all the way through our current coaches and the people that have played in this facility.”

BIG things happening in Memorial Coliseum!!! 👀 pic.twitter.com/ym2GdIzmnN

— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) July 12, 2024

Formerly, the gym was meant as a memorial to servicemen and women who died in World War II, and honors those who fell in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other military service. The renovation project includes an upgraded memorial.

The renovation is focused on the building’s interior with climate-control improvements. Plus a focus on modern seating, upgraded systems for lighting and security, and improving the overall experience for Kentucky’s female student-athletes.

“At the end of the day, to be able to give our fans a really, really up-to-date spectacular facility… We made it really special and that’s sort of what we intended to do here,” Barnhart said.

When asked about what Barnhart thought would be the most exciting for the fans, he said the closeness. While the gym is located directly on campus, that’s not necessarily what Barnhart meant.

“I think in the old Memorial it felt like sometimes you’re a little bit away from the action. This one, you’re going to be on top of it,” he said.

Barnhart mentioned the club at the end of the court meant for social networking, but also the student section. The renovation will bring people closer to the court. Having fans on top of the action might offer a unique competitive advantage. Plus, a new center-hanging scoreboard featuring a jumbotron to see the action from every angle.

Construction began in March 2024 and should be ready for use this fall. While Rupp Arena is fun, don’t forget about women’s sports at Memorial Coliseum. It looks like it’s going to be worth coming down to get in on the action.