Hardback
November 8, 2022
9780813196404
English
360
58 b&w illustrations
9.25 Inches (US)
6.13 Inches (US)
1.4 Pounds (US)
$34.95 USD, £25.50 GBP
v2.1 Reference
Paperback / softback
November 8, 2022
9780813196411
English
360
58 b&w illustrations
9.25 Inches (US)
6.13 Inches (US)
1.15 Pounds (US)
$26.95 USD, £19.50 GBP
v2.1 Reference
Electronic book text
November 8, 2022
9780813196428
9780813196404
English
360
58 b&w illustrations
9.25 Inches (US)
6.13 Inches (US)
$26.95 USD, £19.50 GBP
v2.1 Reference
Electronic book text
November 8, 2022
9780813196435
9780813196404
English
360
58 b&w illustrations
9.25 Inches (US)
6.13 Inches (US)
$26.95 USD, £19.50 GBP
v2.1 Reference

House of Champions

The Story of Kentucky Basketball's Home Courts

The stories and accounts of Kentucky basketball's players, iconic coaches, and epic games have been told and retold, but lesser known are the stories of the arenas and venues that have been home to the Wildcats—buildings that have witnessed the sights, sounds, and shared spirit of the Big Blue Nation for over a century.
In House of Champions: The Story of Kentucky Basketball's Home Courts, author Kevin Cook combines archival research and numerous interviews with players and coaches to reveal the rich history and colorful details of the structures that have hosted University of Kentucky basketball. A number of fascinating backstories are uncovered, including the excitement of Alumni Gym's opening night in 1925, the problematic acquisition of Black community land for the building of Memorial Coliseum, and the painstaking inscription of nearly ten thousand names of Kentucky's World War II and Korean War heroes to be displayed along the Coliseum's pedestrian ramps. The account concludes with a compelling overview of the development of historic Rupp Arena: its inner workings, the prominent figures involved, and how the initial conversation to build it began over a slice of Jerry's pie in 1968.
This insightful and entertaining history reveals how the impact of sporting facilities extends far beyond game night as they continue to shape and influence the social, economic, and political landscapes of Lexington and central Kentucky.

About the Author

Kevin Cook has degrees in engineering and American history. His published works include a comprehensive study of the Rochester Royals' NBA franchise in Rochester History, articles in the Jessamine Journal and German Life, and a self-published travel memoir titled Where Am I, Rick Steves? A Misguided Tour of Europe's Back Doors. He has worked as a naval officer, a high school teacher, and a corporate sales representative.

Reviews

"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

9780813196404 : house-of-champions-cook
Hardback
360 Pages
$34.95 USD
9780813196411 : house-of-champions-cook
Paperback / softback
360 Pages
$26.95 USD
9780813196428 : house-of-champions-cook
Electronic book text
360 Pages
$26.95 USD
9780813196435 : house-of-champions-cook
Electronic book text
360 Pages
$26.95 USD

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