As today marks the 68[SUP]th[/SUP] anniversary of D-Day and the invasion of Normandy, Americans everywhere should take a moment to honor those who sacrificed on that momentous day.
As some people may not know, one of the most recognizable buildings at the University of Kentucky was in fact built in honor of the Kentucky citizens who fought in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Memorial Coliseum, once home to the men’s basketball team, opened in 1950 and has since become a major campus landmark.
Of course, when Memorial Coliseum first opened its doors to Wildcat fans everywhere, Kentucky basketball was fresh off their first National Championship title two years prior, and Adolph Rupp was about to lead them to another.
For more than 26 years, Memorial Coliseum was where the Big Blue Nation found its home, where it cheered for the wins and cried over the losses—this was where the magic of Kentucky basketball happened.
Even though the basketball team relocated across town to Rupp Arena in 1976, they have continued to practice in their old venue. In recent years, the state-of-the-art Joe Craft center was constructed in the back of the Coliseum, complete with several practice gyms, a weight room, and the coaches offices (yes, John Calipari’s is the biggest).
Today Memorial is still home to several Kentucky women’s teams, including volleyball, basketball and gymnastics.
If you are ever in Lexington, take a few minutes to walk into Memorial Coliseum when it’s empty. There’s a distinct history there, and you can still feel the energy when you walk in. Those walls have seen some of the greatest years of Kentucky basketball.
Today, be proud to be an American. And be proud to be a Kentucky fan.
Do you have any memories of watching the Cats play in Memorial Coliseum? Share them with us!
