The Complete Rupp Arena Legacy: Preserving Kentucky Basketball History

For generations of Kentucky basketball fans, Rupp Arena has never been just a building. It’s where memories were made from the seats, where anticipation hung in the air before tipoff, and where moments unfolded on the court that fans still carry with them long after the final buzzer.

Today, Artsman announced a milestone unlike any before: the complete preservation of Rupp Arena’s basketball court history.

Completing the Rupp Arena Story

With the launch of the University of Kentucky Vintage Rupp Arena Collection, Artsman now offers authenticated, game‑used court wood from both eras of Rupp Arena’s basketball history.

This historic release completes the timeline:

• 1976-2001: The original Rupp Arena court, installed when the Wildcats moved into the arena and used during one of the most dominant stretches in program history

• 2001-2024: The modern Rupp Arena court that carried Kentucky through the next generation of championship pursuits

Together, these two floors represent 50 years of Kentucky basketball, preserved for the first time in one complete collection.

The Original Rupp Arena Court (1976-2001)

The original Rupp Arena hardwood served as the foundation for Kentucky’s identity on the national stage. From National Championship seasons to record‑setting performances, this floor witnessed countless moments that shaped college basketball history. This was also the first time Kentucky Basketball was played in Rupp Arena. It carried generations of legendary players and coaches, hosted sold‑out crowds night after night, and became inseparable from the Kentucky basketball tradition.

The Modern Rupp Arena Court (2001-2024)

Following the original floor, the second Rupp Arena court ushered Kentucky basketball into the modern era. From iconic moments to continued championship contention, this hardwood carried the Wildcats through more than two decades of unforgettable seasons.

Artsman’s existing Rupp Arena Collection, crafted from this 2001-2024 court, laid the groundwork for preserving Kentucky’s recent history. With the addition of the vintage floor, the story is now truly complete.

Documented Authenticity

Every Artsman piece includes a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). More than a proof of authenticity, each certificate documents where on the court the piece originated, providing a direct connection back to the arena and the moments that lived there.

No replicas. No recreations. Each item is cut from the actual floor that Wildcats players competed on, making every piece truly one‑of‑a‑kind.

Designed for Fans, Alumni, and Collectors

The complete Rupp Arena Collection features a range of display‑ready and giftable items, including:

• Mini Court Replicas
• Ornaments
• Dog Tags
• Wall Frames
• Desk Decor
• Other Limited Collectibles

Quantities are inherently limited due to the finite nature of the original Rupp Arena floors. Once these pieces are gone, they cannot be replaced. 

The Only Complete Rupp Arena Hardwood Collection

Artsman is the only brand preserving the full basketball court legacy of Rupp Arena, spanning from the arena’s earliest days through its modern era.

For Kentucky fans, alumni, and collectors, this collection represents a rare opportunity to own a tangible connection to one of college basketball’s most storied programs.

Explore the complete University of Kentucky Rupp Arena Collection exclusively at ArtsmanSport.com and become part of the hardwood history that defined Kentucky basketball.