The University of Kentucky has been playing basketball since 1903. That first season saw the perennial winners posting a losing record; as a matter of fact Kentucky had losing records in it's first six seasons of basketball. Kind of odd considering the overall record Kentucky has achieved during this century. In those early days UK was known as State College and the games were played at various gyms in the Lexington and northern Kentucky area such as the YMCA. Kentucky later began regularly using a gym in Barker Hall. The gym was located on the north side of the building, it was small and could not accommodate more then a hand full of spectators. In 1910 a floor was added to the armory located on the south side of Barker Hall which was named Buell Armory Kentucky played there for 13 years, winning 59 games and losing 25. The popularity of basketball ran wild through the state and it became apparent that the tiny Buell gym was not capable of handling the number of fans that wanted to see the Wildcats play. Hundreds of fans were turned away each game, with only a small number being able to get inside. In 1923 the Athletic Council requested a gym be constructed with sufficient seating to accommodate the large crowds that were regularly showing up for Kentucky games. Realizing they were losing potential revenue along with the likelihood that the popular state high school tournament would be moved away the Board of Trustees approved a 2,800 seat structure at the staggering cost of--$100,000!

Alumni Gym opened on December 13, 1924. James McFarland led the Wildcats with 10 points and UK beat Cincinnati 28-23. Many had complained the building would turn out to be a "white elephant" that was rarely if ever sold out. Contrary to public opinion, Alumni Gym was filled for basically every game the Wildcats played. A ticket to a UK basketball game became a hard item to obtain, which continues today. It was not long before the crowds would out grow the gym. Only a small number of the many fans that showed up for UK games were able to get inside and then it was not uncommon for fights to break out over the few seats available.

Popularity of Kentucky basketball would take a huge jump when the university hired Adolph Rupp as head coach March 23, 1930. Rupp began his record setting career with a 67-19 win over Georgetown Dec. 18, 1930 in Alumni Gym. Kentucky had an incredible record in the first house that Rupp built, overall they won 247 games while losing only 24. Their record during coach Rupp's years as head coach was even more phenomenal. In 19 seasons at Alumni Gym Rupp's teams won 201 games and lost eight. Other marks were established during UK's years there, on Feb. 17, 1934 Kentucky broke a then national record by winning their 23rd consecutive game; beating Vanderbilt 47-27. It was at this game that UK saw the first signs that the gymnasium was too small when a near riot broke out over seats before the game. Other Alumni Gym highlights include a last second win over Marquette Feb. 14, 1938. Joe Hagan hit a 48ft. jumper with 12 seconds left to give UK the win 35-33. A. B. "Happy" Chandler, then governor went out on the floor after the game and drove a nail into the spot where Hagan had launched his winning shot. The Wildcats scored their first victory over Notre Dame on Jan. 23, 1943, 60-55.

Kentucky began a record setting home court winning streak in Alumni Gym. The Cats finished their stay in Alumni by winning their last 84 games there, going on to set a record of 129 consecutive before losing to Georgia Tech in Memorial Coliseum. During their years at Alumni Gym Kentucky won 12 conference titles, two NCAA crowns, one NIT Championship, was named the Helms National Champion in 1933 and won three Sugar Bowl titles. Over this period of time some of the greatest teams and players ever competed on the Alumni Gym floor. Perhaps the most famous of all were the Fabulous Five. The 1948 team won Kentucky's first NCAA title. The starting five became one of the most famous teams in the history of college basketball. They were Ralph Beard, Kenny Rollins, Wallace "Wah Wah" Jones, Alex Groza and Cliff Barker. After the season the five players along with coach Rupp went on to the Olympic Games and won the gold medal. All returned for the following season, except Rollins who graduated, and gave Kentucky it's second NCAA crown. UK had 14 All-Americans during the Alumni Gym years, other then the Fabulous Five there were Carey Spicer '31, John DeMoisey '34, Bernard Opper '39 and Jack Tingle '47 just to name a few.

As grand a facility as it was for it's time Alumni Gym's days were numbered as soon as UK moved in. The university was growing and not only was more room needed for basketball, but the other sports being developed were in need of facilities as well. In 1941 plans began for a new building that would provide for not only a larger basketball arena, but one that would take care of all the physical education and recreational needs of the university. Kentucky moved into their new home in 1950, Memorial Coliseum was named in honor of the Kentucky soldiers that had lost their lives in World War II. The new building cost $3,925,000 and once again people were convinced it would be a "white elephant" never being filled. The basketball arena had 11,500 seats and was sold out game after game right from the beginning. The history of Kentucky's basketball facilities remind me a bit of today's computers, they seemed to be obsolete as soon as they were opened. Memorial Coliseum did allow many more people to see the Wildcats play, but it still was not big enough. UK brought an 84 game home winning streak into their new arena, winning the opener Dec. 1, 1950 73-43 over West Texas State.

The opening of the '53-'54 season saw the beginning of another great UK tradition, Cawood Ledford broadcast the first game of a career that would span 39 years. The voice of Cawood calling the UK games became an integral part of Kentucky basketball history. On Jan. 8, 1955 Georgia Tech upset Kentucky at Memorial Coliseum 59-58, stopping the Cat's home court winning streak at 129. It was the first time Kentucky had lost a game on their home court since Jan. 4, 1943. For most Wildcat fans it was the first time they had actually saw UK lose a game. One of the most exciting games in UK history took place in the Coliseum Dec. 7, 1957. Kentucky beat Temple in triple overtime 85-83. Vernon Hatton hit a 48ft. jump shot at the buzzer of the second OT to keep the Wildcats in the game. Adolph Rupp coached his last game at Memorial Coliseum Mar. 7, 1972 defeating Auburn 102-67. Joe Hall's career at the Coliseum got off to a rocky start when the Cats lost to Iowa 79-66 Dec. 4. 1972. Kentucky played it's final game at Memorial Mar. 8, 1976, a 94-93 overtime win against Mississippi State.

Kentucky continued it's tradition of excellence during their years in Memorial Coliseum. The Wildcats record there during their 26 year stay was 306-38. They won two more NCAA titles, another NIT, 16 SEC Championships and had an undefeated season in 1954, but declined an NCAA invitation due to a ruling making some of their players ineligible. UK had 11 players named All-American during these years. A few of these were Johnny Cox '59; Cotton Nash '62, '63, '64; Pat Riley '66; Louie Dampier '66, '67. Three of them have been inducted into the Hall of Fame; Cliff Hagan, Frank Ramsey and Dan Issel. Issel set the all-time UK scoring record on the Memorial Coliseum floor. The Coliseum is still in use today and underwent a $1 million renovation in 1990. It serves as the practice facility for UK's men's and women's basketball teams as well as housing the athletic offices for the university. Bigger and more modern arenas exist, but none can match the atmosphere and electricity of Memorial Coliseum in its day.

In the early '60's ticket sales to Kentucky basketball games were closed to the public. The demand had become so great that all tickets went to season ticket holders with the remaining allotment held for students. The time had come for another move to a bigger facility. Rupp Arena opened for business Nov. 27, 1976 with the Wildcats beating Wisconsin 72-64. At the time it was opened Rupp was the largest built for basketball arena in the country. It seats 23,000 plus and is basically still not large enough to accommodate all the fans wishing to see Kentucky play. Since its opening 23 years ago UK has won 387 games and lost 48 there. (As of the end of the 2005-06 season) It is an incredible building, it has atmosphere but not the kind that afforded Memorial Coliseum. It can be an intimidating place for an opposing team to play, which can be backed up by Kentucky's 89.6 winning percentage there. UK has added three more NCAA Championships since moving to Rupp, another NIT title and 14 SEC Crowns. The Cats have had nine All-Americans in the Rupp era including Jack Givens '77, '78; Kyle Macy '79, '80; Kenny Walker '85, '86; Jamal Mashburn '93 and Ron Mercer '97. KY has had four different coaches during this period, three of them winning NCAA titles.

Rupp Arena is owned by the city of Lexington and is located off of the university campus. In recent years there has been a lot of discussion about building an on-campus arena and leaving Rupp. Some say the better option would be to renovate the current building, though it was state of the art when constructed the mammoth structure is beginning to show it's age. Not owning the facility has been a draw back to the university. In recent years a hockey franchise has moved into the building and there has been conflicts in scheduling for things such as practice. Kentucky basketball is the main purpose for Rupp Arena, but in order for the city to pay the bills for it they have been forced to use it for many other types of activities and entertainment. As far as this writer is concerned I can see advantages to having a new on-campus facility, with up to date technology and no problems with accessibility; but on the other hand Rupp Arena has come to symbolize Kentucky Basketball and I have always been a traditionalist. I would hate to see UK move, but if it benefits the university more, then that is most important. Adolph Rupp never had the opportunity to coach a game in the arena bearing his name. He did live to see it built and attend games there. Both Alumni Gym and Memorial Coliseum were referred to as "The House that Rupp Built". I think in a way the same can be said about Rupp Arena. There would have never been a need for a structure of this magnitude had he not brought the success he did to UK Basketball.

All of the buildings that have served as home for Kentucky basketball, since it's very beginning, still stand today. I'm certain it was never originally intended, but in a way they stand as a tribute to a sport that swept a state as no other ever has. The buildings are constructed of steel, mortar and wood by architects and construction workers. The tradition that makes their existence possible is due to the many individuals that have shared their special talents over the years to make Kentucky Basketball the dynasty it is today.