LEXINGTON, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A remake of Rupp Arena in Lexington is being backed by the Mayor.
University of Kentucky's Rupp Arena will be re-invented, turning a rectangular design into a design costing $250 to 300 million. After 10 months of research a Lexington task force held their final meeting.
"I see smiles of accomplishment and achievement and probably smiles of relief saying thank god this is the last meeting," said a member on the task force.
A Norway-based architecture group will build "see through" skin and huge video monitors. Ticket less fans can still enjoy the game outside. The plan will also include luxury suites and bleachers with chair-back seats.
"I don't think they need to change the Rupp at all. That's right, stay the way you are and don't spend any money," said a fan WHAS11 talked to.
The Rupp Arena Arts & Entertainment District Task Force set out new guidelines which include: digging out federal grants and tax credits, lobbying for local, state and private money for construction and new cash from premium seating, concert promotions, advertising, sponsors and parking.
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray supported efforts to revamp the old Rupp Arena. Even though UK declined to seek State funds for construction.
Wildcats fans could start seeing new brick and mortar as early 2013.
The Rupp Arena remake is part of a 46-acre arts & entertainment corridor but funding is the biggest hurdle.
WHAS11's Gene Kang has more on the story. Click on the video player above.
