"John Calipari has often talked about Kentucky basketball being the "gold standard" in the sport and that's certainly been true with arenas. Some thought the Wildcats could never fill a twelve thousand-seat arena when Memorial Coliseum was proposed and there were similar doubts about a building with double that capacity in the 1970s—and yet the Big Blue Nation filled those seats. Like I did, you'll enjoy the backstories on these legendary venues for Kentucky basketball and it'll stir memories of favorite moments you had coming of age as a follower of the legendary program that was built at UK. Kudos to Kevin Cook on embracing the challenge of researching such an interesting topic."—Tom Leach, coauthor of
Kentucky Basketball: Two Decades Behind the Scenes"Every time I walk into Rupp Arena and look up into the stands—which are always full—I am reminded of the incredible opportunity I have been given to lead the Kentucky basketball program. The history and the tradition that radiate from Rupp Arena are never lost on me, and to think it is just the latest venue in the gold standard of arenas is part of what put Kentucky basketball in a league of its own. To learn how all of our great homes came to be, the players and coaches they housed, and the memories they helped create, it is clear to me this is a must-read for the Big Blue Nation."—John Calipari, head coach, Kentucky men's basketball
"Follow all the early history. How Wildcats basketball established the greatest tradition in college basketball."—Dick Parsons, UK basketball star under Adolph Rupp and longtime UK basketball assistant coach
"The story of one of the hardest arenas of its day to win at: Memorial Coliseum. What wonderful stories those walls have."—Mike Pratt, coauthor of Kentucky Basketball: Two Decades Behind the Scenes
"Great book with a lot of interesting information. A must read."—Rick Robey, UK basketball All-American and member of Kentucky's 1978 NCAA championship team
"As a UK Wildcat player and student of the basketball team's history, I can highly recommend this unique look at all the Kentucky arenas and how they shaped the program. This is a well-researched account filled with little-known stories and fascinating information—and plenty of basketball action. A must-read for all basketball fans."—Kyle Macy, Kentucky All-American and coauthor of From the Rafters of Rupp