LEXINGTON, Ky. — For the first time in eight months, Rupp Arena will welcome back fans.

What You Need To Know

  • Rupp Arena to reopen in November

  • Arena hosting limited number of live events in 2020, 2021

  • First event is UK Men's Basketball Bluegrass Showcase MTE Nov. 25

  • New protocols in place

The arena is hosting a limited number of live events in 2020 and 2021, the first one being the UK Men's Basketball Bluegrass Showcase MTE Nov. 25.

The staff at Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena have worked with the governor's office, the Kentucky Department of Public Health, and industry professionals on a reopening plan. The new policies and procedures are in effect and can be found online.

In addition to the showcase, Rupp Arena will host four additional games Nov. 27 and Nov. 29, all of which will follow NCAA and SEC health and safety protocols.

There are two concert events scheduled for December, including  a country music Acoustic Concert presented by 98.1 The Bull and Hardees featuring Brantley Gilbert Dec. 8, and a hip-hop concert featuring Three 6 Mafia with special guests Project Pat Dec. 11.

As well, UK Men's basketball will play against Notre Dame Dec. 12. The team's 10 home game SEC season starts Dec. 29 against South Carolina, running through Feb. 27, 2021.

Some of the new event protocols include:

  • Reduced capacity of 15%, meaning ample parking directly across from Rupp Arena in the High Street parking lots;
  • Entry on the west side of the arena via the corridor connecting the new convention center to the arena;
  • Mobile-only tickets sold online exclusively at Ticketmaster.com;
  • Mobile tickets presented on phones at the turnstile;
  • Required health screening questions and temperature checks before entry;
  • Social distancing in the seating areas;
  • Required face masks except when eating or drinking in your designated seat;
  • Stickers designating socially distanced spacing for lines at the entry or concession stands;
  • Cashless transactions encouraged at concession stands;
  • Patrons may only bring one clear bag (no larger than 12"x12"x6") or one small clutch purse (no larger than 4"x4"x1"), and to avoid additional touchpoints, patrons are encouraged to leave unnecessary items at home;
  • Gatherings of eight or more people on the concourse prohibited; and
  • Enhanced sanitation procedures before and during events.

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