Freedom Hall: One Kentucky Fan's Perspective

As a Kentucky fan, I should have disdain for Freedom Hall. I should not write this piece because I will just bash Louisville. That will not be the case because I do have some love for Freedom Hall.

As a life-long Kentucky fan and a Louisvillian, I have been to Freedom Hall many times for many reasons. I have been to many games in Freedom Hall and I must say that it is one of my favorite places to watch a game. The arena is laid out very well and gives everyone a good view of the game.

I have a friend whose dad is the UL team orthopedist, and by going to games with him, I did gain an appreciation for the arena. I never gained that appreciation for the team in the red, many times arguing UK/UL with him while at the game. My high school plays our rivalry basketball game at Freedom Hall. You always love to see your friends running up and down the same floor as big-time players.

Still, of all the things in Freedom Hall I have seen, my favorite by far is when the Wildcats come to town. Every year Kentucky plays one "home" game at Freedom Hall in Louisville. This would be the one time that I would have a guaranteed chance to see the Cats play before attending the University.

I was never sure if I was going to be able to see Kentucky in Rupp, but I always got to see them in Freedom Hall. When playing in Louisville, they did play some good teams until the last few years when they played a pushover in the Hall. Some were good and some were painful to watch.

Putting aside all games against Louisville in Freedom Hall, two games in that building stick out in my mind the most. First we will go with the bad and then end on a high note. 

The Kentucky-UAB game in the 2007-2008 season has to be my least favorite game in Freedom Hall. Robert Vaden dropped 33 points and sent the 'Cats back to Lexington with their tails between their legs.

The best game was the annual battle with the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2002-2003 season where the 'Cats came out victorious. The win was not the highlight though; the best part was the Mike Davis head-tapping ejection. His ejection might be the blueprint for the worst way to contest a call with the officials.

I have had many good times in Freedom Hall, even if my least favorite team plays there. This building that has housed the Final Four, and a two-time national champion is truly a college basketball landmark. Even as a Kentuckian, I am sad to see that the balls will stop bouncing on this hallowed college basketball ground.