Mayor Gray Unveils Rupp Arena Re-Invention

LEXINGTON, Ky., February 10, 2014 — Mayor Jim Gray unveiled designs today for a $310 million renovation and redesign of Rupp Arena that includes a transparent facade and moving and expanding the convention center to the west of Lexington’s most well-known landmark.

The designs by NBBJ and EOP Architects include removing the current convention center and moving it to the west of Rupp Arena, allowing for expanding and “freeing” the storied home of University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball program. 

The exterior of Rupp will include glass or transparent outer walls that allow for more interaction between the street and what’s going on inside, architects have said. The second story will have areas where people can see inside — particularly at the corners of the building. 

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