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THE LEXINGTON CENTER AND RUPP \UI N \
WHERE THE CATS WILL PLAY-A scale model of the S46 million Lexington Center shows hotel (left), retail mall (center, foreground), Rupp Arena (center, background), and the convention-exhibition hall, (right). The scale model, made almost entirely of plexiglass, cost nearly $20,000 to build.
The most extensive and exciting development in Kentucky is the new multi-use facility covering an 11-acre site in downtown Lexington. Known as Lexington Center, it will offer entertainment on a scale never before seen in Central and Eastern Kentucky in the 23,000 seat arena. Additionally, there will be a unique shopping experience in the 95,000 square foot three level retail mall enclosed within a bronze glass atrium.
With the newly renovated Lexington Opera House nearby, this will serve as the focal point of Lexington's cultural and commercial activity.
The 23,000 seat arena, named after former Kentucky Basketball coach Adolph Rupp, will be the new home for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
NCAA regional and final tournaments, the Kentucky State High School tournament, and many other sports spectaculars are expected to be held in this unique facility.
To accommodate all types of activities, the multi-use arena has 10,000 seats in the lower seating area and more than 13,000 seats in the upper seating area. The latter can be visually isolated to provide a more natural setting for small shows. The arena is fully air-conditioned, equipped with a high quality sound system and complete lighting for events and color television coverage. Special attention has been paid to such facilities as dressing rooms, service entrances and storage areas.
A 17-story hotel to be operated by the Hyatt chain will rise majestically to the left of Rupp Arena, furnishing Lexington with the newest, most modern and best-equipped hotel facility in the area.
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