Richmond, Kentucky, November 11, 2025
Eastern Kentucky University has successfully renovated the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum with a $53 million investment. The revamped arena features a new playing floor, a modern conference center, and upgraded facilities, ensuring an enhanced experience for athletes and fans alike. The official reopening was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant upgrade for the 62-year-old venue, which will now serve various community and academic purposes.
Richmond, Kentucky – EKU Unveils Renovated Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has completed a $53 million renovation of the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum, marking a new era for the 62-year-old facility. The official reopening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 10, 2025.
Renovation Highlights
- New Playing Floor: A state-of-the-art court has been installed, enhancing the athletic experience for both players and fans.
- 300-Seat Conference Center: The addition of a modern conference center provides a versatile space for events and gatherings.
- Central Bank Courtside Club: This exclusive area offers fans an upgraded viewing experience during games.
- Upgraded Facilities: Comprehensive improvements include new locker rooms, concession areas, player lounges, offices, and meeting spaces, all designed to enhance the overall experience for athletes, fans, and the community.
Community and Academic Impact
The renovated arena serves as a multipurpose venue, hosting athletic competitions, graduation ceremonies, concerts, and community events. Students from various academic programs, such as broadcasting, exercise and sport science, and hospitality management, will benefit from hands-on learning opportunities in the new space.
Historical Significance
Alumni Coliseum, originally opened in 1963, has been a central hub for EKU students and the Richmond community. The recent renovations preserve the building’s rich history while modernizing its infrastructure for the 21st century, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital part of campus life.
Funding and Future Plans
The renovation was funded by a $53 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly. The project was completed in Fall 2025, with the facility now fully operational and ready to host a variety of events for the EKU community and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum?
The Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum is a multipurpose venue at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, hosting athletic events, graduation ceremonies, concerts, and community activities.
What renovations were made to the facility?
The $53 million renovation included a new playing floor, a 300-seat conference center, the Central Bank Courtside Club, and upgrades to locker rooms, concession areas, player lounges, offices, and meeting spaces.
How does the renovated arena benefit EKU students?
The renovated arena provides hands-on learning opportunities for students in broadcasting, exercise and sport science, and hospitality management programs, enhancing their academic experience.
When was the ribbon-cutting ceremony held?
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum was held on November 10, 2025.
Who funded the renovation project?
The renovation was funded by a $53 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly.
Key Features of the Renovated Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Playing Floor | A state-of-the-art court enhancing the athletic experience for players and fans. |
| 300-Seat Conference Center | A modern space for events and gatherings, accommodating up to 300 attendees. |
| Central Bank Courtside Club | An exclusive area offering fans an upgraded viewing experience during games. |
| Upgraded Facilities | Comprehensive improvements including new locker rooms, concession areas, player lounges, offices, and meeting spaces. |
| Community and Academic Impact | The arena serves as a multipurpose venue, hosting various events and providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in broadcasting, exercise and sport science, and hospitality management programs. |
| Historical Significance | Alumni Coliseum, opened in 1963, has been a central hub for EKU students and the Richmond community, with recent renovations preserving its rich history while modernizing its infrastructure for the 21st century. |
| Funding and Future Plans | The renovation was funded by a $53 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly, with the project completed in Fall 2025, and the facility now fully operational and ready to host a variety of events for the EKU community and beyond. |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (November 10, 2025, 5:30 PM): Lexington community activists are implementing an action plan to address a recent spike in violence on the city’s south side. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 8, 2025, 3:14 AM): Lexington Police Department reported one person arrested in connection to a shooting on Centre Parkway that resulted in a man’s death. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 11, 2025, 2:00 AM): Lexington Police responded to over 120 traffic incidents between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday due to severe weather conditions. View on X
- @WKYT (November 5, 2025, 10:52 PM): Crews responded to a shooting near a Lexington park. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 6, 2025, 7:30 PM): Lexington Police are seeking community help to locate a man wanted on charges including assault and terroristic threatening. View on X
- @heraldleader (November 4, 2025, 11:30 PM): Some Lexington schools placed on heightened alert Tuesday due to nearby police activity. View on X
- @LEX18News (November 7, 2025, 8:45 PM): A man was shot and critically injured Friday afternoon in Lexington, according to police. View on X
- @heraldleader (November 7, 2025, 11:40 PM): A fatal shooting nearby prompted heightened alert status again at some Lexington schools. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Kentucky Initiates Major Athletic Facility Renovations
February 2025 Brings Community Health and Cultural Events to Lexington
Kentucky’s Recent Leadership Changes Signal Growth
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
