By Olivia Ackermann
Football season is winding down soon, but around here, the end of football just means the beginning of an exciting University of Kentucky basketball season!. Downtown Lexington is not only home to Rupp Arena, where the Wildcats play their home games, it is also home to some of the best places to watch them play when you’re not at the game watching them in the flesh. Continue reading to find out the best places in #downtownlex to spend your gameday!
Of course, we have to start with Rupp Arena. This legendary venue is where all the action happens. At the game, you are surrounded by thousands of other cheering Cats fans decked out head to toe in UK gear. During the game, you can head over to concessions to try Rupp Arena’s staple menu item; their famous soft-serve ice cream. Before or after the game, you can walk to plenty of restaurants in Downtown Lexington to grab a bite to eat. Goodfellas Pizzeria and Agave and Rye are the perfect destinations if you want to grab a big pizza slice on the go or sit down for some epic tacos and margaritas pre or post-game.
If you want to be as close to the action as possible without actually going to the game, LexLive is your answer. LexLive is located just across from the Central Bank Center and is one of Lexington’s premier entertainment destinations. LexLive contains a movie theatre, arcade, bowling, and a 300-seat game-day sports bar. With three big screens on the walls, you are guaranteed a great view of the game. LexLive has a wide variety of menu items ranging from burgers to tacos, to pizzas, and more. They also have a full-service bar with draft beers, specialty cocktails, mules, wine, bourbon, and more. LexLive has everything you need for a perfect gameday in one spot, or serves the perfect stopover on your way into the arena.
If you prefer a more laid-back gameday experience, a brewery could be the place for you. Ethereal Brewing is located in the Distillery District and is known for its American and Belgian-inspired craft brews. It is the perfect spot to watch the game while enjoying a specialty-crafted beer. If you get hungry, Goodfellas Pizzeria’s Distillery District location is right next door so you can walk over and grab a New York-style slice, or even bring it back to your seat at Ethereal.
Another excellent option, Tin Roof is a live music joint next to campus and is a college favorite for watching games. Tin Roof is always packed full of excited college students on gameday and is the perfect hangout spot. On gamedays, Tin Roof has a live DJ, games of cornhole, and a big screen outdoor for viewing the game. During the game, you can order pitchers of beer and fill up on their sloppy nachos. Between the cheering students, live music, games, food, and drinks, there is never a dull moment at Tin Roof! There are also plenty of indoor TVs if the weather isn’t cooperating that day.
Cats’ gamedays are always exciting, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate here in #downtownlex. Whether you like being at the center of the action or just like having the game on in the background, Downtown Lexington has the perfect spot for you!