The Lexington Center BOD yesterday "voted unanimously" to approve a $15M Rupp Arena "technology overhaul that includes a new center-hung scoreboard, wireless Internet for fans, and changes to the roof infrastructure so the arena can attract more concerts and major events," according to a front-page piece by Beth Musgrave of the LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER. The upgrades are "in addition to $800,000" that Learfield Communications "has given the center to install ribbon boards around the second tier of the Rupp Arena bowl." Lexington Center President & CEO Bill Owen said that the ribbon boards "will be installed by Oct. 2," before the Univ. of Kentucky men's basketball season starts. The center-hung scoreboard with new LED screens "would be installed in time" for the '16-17 UK men's basketball season, while upgraded Wi-Fi "would be installed" during the '16-17 season. A new sound system and better lighting "also are planned." Owen said that improvements to the roof's infrastructure "would be completed" in '16 and '17. Musgrave notes the board "proposes to borrow" $15.4M "to pay for the upgrades." The bond sale "must be approved by Lexington's Urban County Council." Owen said that he "expected to appear before the council in the fall" (LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER, 7/28).
