Memorial Coliseum

“Memorial Coliseum is a special building, and it’s filled with unbelievable memories not only for coaches and players, but especially for our great fans. It’s an iconic part of our program’s history, where on the hardwood greats like Dan Issel and Mike Pratt, Kevin Grevey and Goose Givens, Cotton Nash, Louie Dampier and Pat Riley became legends, along with championship coaches Adolph Rupp and Joe B. Hall, and where so many others shed blood, sweat and tears between the lines in practice and games. But this building represents so much more than that, to our University as a whole, and most significantly in remembrance of the Kentuckians who have given their lives for our country. I’m thrilled Memorial’s history is being shared within these pages!”

Drawing on his diverse background — including a passion for Kentucky Wildcats basketball, a master’s degree in history, and service as a Navy veteran — Kevin Cook provides a compelling and detailed account of Memorial Coliseum’s significance, both in sports history and its broader cultural impact. It’s a labor of love, and the inclusion of personal reflections from those who competed in, worked at, and attended events in this iconic arena add a unique and meaningful dimension to the narrative.

Visionaries saw a chance for lifelong experiences when they conceived and built Memorial Coliseum. For those who were lucky enough to be there, this book is a walk down memory lane.

The new version of Historic Memorial Coliseum is spectacular, but there are so many wonderful memories from the original incarnation of that legendary venue and this book brings back those moments for Kentucky basketball fans. The crescendo of the roar when the Wildcats took the court would end many games before they even started for the opponent, and you’ll enjoy reliving those moments or learning about them for the first time.

In words and pictures, Kevin Cook tells the story of the Coliseum from conception to renovation, with an inside look at how it all unfolded. Whether you are a rabid UK supporter, a casual fan, or just a lover of well-written, accurate history, you’ll enjoy Memorial Coliseum.

“There have been hundreds of books written about Kentucky basketball, but none as unique as Memorial Coliseum: 75 Years as Monument, Stage and Arena. This is a book that belongs in every Big Blue fan’s collection.”