Rupp Arena Unveils New Upper-Level Chair Back Seats

The chair back seats have been officially installed in the upper-level of Rupp Arena. This morning, the Rupp Arena marketing department invited the media in to check out the new addition to the historic basketball venue. “This change represents the dawn of a new era for Rupp Arena," Lexington Center President and CEO Bill Owen said. "Changing from bench seating to chair back seats is a major upgrade for Rupp concerts, family event and UK Basketball fans. The new seats will provide much greater comfort, improved access to seats throughout the event, easier aisle access, more leg room, arm rests and yes, cup holders! Chair-back seats have replaced bleachers in sections 211 through 217 and sections 228 through 234.  Bleachers will remain in sections 218 – 227 and 235 – 244. Rupp Arena’s new capacity is now 20,545 for basketball, and up to 19,576 for concerts. The chair back seat installation, managed by Messer Construction Company, is part of the new and expanded Lexington Convention Center project now underway.  Since closing last June-September for seat installation, Rupp Arena will spring back to life in October with a busy event schedule. “Lexington Center’s partnership with Oak View Group and Live Nation Arenas is continuing to keep Rupp Arena on the map as a ‘must play’ venue for various tours and we keep adding more and more shows to our lineup,” Owen continued. The change comes just in time for Big Blue Madness, along with several other basketball and concert events scheduled in the coming weeks. The official Rupp Arena YouTube page posted footage of the construction process, along with the finished product: https://youtu.be/2R4pDZPflW8 And a few pictures: Fans will get their first opportunity to check out the new seats for the first time on Friday for Big Blue Madness. Go Cats. [mobile_ad]