The New Year’s holiday means different things for different people. If we were playing Family Feud, the survey would say champagne, Auld Lang Syne, and football, bowl games in particular. You probably don’t think of Kentucky basketball, but the Cats have been pretty, pretty good on New Year’s Eve.

Since Rupp Arena opened its doors in 1976, Kentucky has hosted six games on New Year’s Eve at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats are a perfect 6-0 at Rupp Arena on December 31. They’ll try to improve to 7-0 this afternoon against Brown. Tip-off is at 2:00 pm EST on ESPNU for the non-conference season finale.

Kentucky on New Year’s Eve at Rupp Arena

1987: Kentucky 81, Vanderbilt 74
2007: Kentucky 92, FIU 49
2011: Kentucky 69, Louisville 62
2017: Kentucky 66, Georgia 61,
2021: Kentucky 92, High Point 48
2022: Kentucky 86, Louisville 63

Rupp Arena Homecomings

The last New Year’s Eve Kentucky basketball game was forgettable because that’s the best way to define the entire Kenny Payne era at Louisville. The 4-win Cards were an abomination to basketball. Payne was unable to fire up his players for an inspired performance at the place where he was an assistant coach for a decade. Oscar Tshiebwe and Jacob Toppin each had 24 points in a blowout win.

The previous homecoming was much more heartwarming. Before his coaching career concluded, Kentucky found a way to get Tubby Smith back to Rupp Arena. He brought High Point to the hallowed arena to see his jersey lifted into the rafters. What transpired in-between the lines of play paled in comparison to seeing the National Championship-winning coach receive a well-deserved honor in front of Big Blue Nation.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.