Louisville, Ky.- One of the most widely anticipated attractions in Louisville history is set to open its doors to the city in early October, the Louisville Arena Authority (LAA) announced at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
'We are pleased that Mortensen Construction will have completed its work and will turn over the keys to the KFC Yum! Center on October 10, 2010,' said Jim Host, Chairman of the Louisville Arena Authority. 'We want to make 10-10-10 a historical date for Louisville.' The week will be one to remember as The Eagles headline the opening concert at the Center on October 16.
Originally slated to open November 2010, the $238 million, 22,000-seat arena will be the new home of the University of Louisville men's and women's basketball teams when it officially opens in the fall. The arena will first open its doors with a series of previews, including various public and private tours culminating with two very special and historic grand opening events. A black tie VIP event is tentatively scheduled for October 14 and the legendary band, The Eagles, will rock the 721,000 square-foot KFC Yum! Center with the concert on October 16.
On its Long Road to Eden tour, The Eagles, comprised of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, will perform hits spanning their more than 35-year career. Such songs include 'Hotel California,' 'Desperado,' 'Life in the Fast Lane,' 'Take It to the Limit' and 'How Long.'
The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide and earned five No. 1 Billboard singles and six Grammy Awards. The band's 'Greatest Hits 1971-1975' has exceeded sales of 29 million units, making it the best-selling domestic album of all time.
'From the moment the KFC Yum! Center opens its doors, the city of Louisville can be proud that this best-in-class facility will bring the most popular and entertaining events to the community,' said Dennis Petrullo with AEG Facilities. 'AEG Facilities is proud to partner with the Louisville Arena Authority and The Kentucky State Fair Board to create this showplace where guests will be treated to a comfortable, world-class experience every time they visit.'
Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18th, at the Freedom Hall and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
'Our vision for the KFC Yum! Center has always been to push our city to new levels,' said Host. 'Beyond the obvious sports appeal, we see the venue as the region's premier destination for musical entertainment and family-friendly shows.'
Although The Eagles will be one of the first events held at the new arena, the facility is also scheduled to host the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship in December 2012 and the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament first and second rounds in March 2012. Several more concerts are scheduled to be announced in the near future.
'We are excited to add the KFC Yum! Center to the top of Louisville's 'must-see' list, and believe that residents and visitors will find the new arena worth the wait,' said Jerry Abramson, Mayor of Louisville. 'With its sense of entertainment, elegance and comfort, we are confident that the new riverside centerpiece will meet the needs of this growing community.'
For more information about current construction and future events at the KFC Yum! Center, visit the Louisville Arena Authority's Official Web site at www.arenaauthority.com.
