What fans need to know about the changes at Rupp Arena this season

Rupp Arena will be undergoing some major changes in the next few years, adding club seating and seat backs to some sections in the upper level.

But before we see any of those upgrades, there will be some minor adjustments that fans need to be aware of when attending Kentucky Wildcats games this season, beginning with Big Blue Madness on Friday.

The first major issue is parking. A large portion of the parking spots in the Manchester parking lot near the Jefferson Street bridge will be out of commission. There will also be reduced space in the primary High Street lot.

Due to the reduction in spaces, officials are encouraging fans to consider parking in the following locations:

150 E. Vine St. (Transit Center Parking Garage)

160 W. Main St. (Helix Parking Garage)

105 Barr St. (Courthouse Garage)

350 W. Short St. (Victorian Square Parking Garage)

Other local parking garages may be open as well, but these areas have been confirmed to serve Rupp Arena patrons during basketball games. A more detailed map of available parking can be found here.

Entry to Rupp Arena will also be altered for this season, as the High Street entrance will now be the primary access point for students and media members. Due to this increased traffic, fans are encouraged to enter via the entrance near Triangle Park on the north side of the building.

As of October 1st, Rupp Arena is now a tobacco-free facility. There are no longer designated smoking areas, and patrons who would like to use tobacco are asked to do so away from Rupp Arena grounds.

Safety measures from last season will continue this year, and that information can be found here.