House of Champions by Kevin Cook
The stories and accounts of Kentucky basketball's players, iconic coaches and epic games have been told and retold, but lesser known are the stories of the arenas and venues that have been home to the Wildcats – buildings that have witnessed the sights, sounds, and shared spirit of the Big Blue Nation for over a century. In House of Champions author Kevin Cook combines archival research and numerous interviews with players and coaches to reveal the rich history and colorful details of the structures that have hosted UK basketball. A number of fascinating backstories are uncovered, including the excitement of Alumni Gym's opening night in 1925; the problematic acquisition of a Black community for Memorial Coliseum; and the moving account of the displays of nearly ten thousand names of Kentucky's WWII and Korean War heroes on the Coliseum's pedestrian ramps. The account concludes with a compelling overview of the development of historic Rupp Arena: its inner workings, the prominent figures involved – and how the initial conversation to build it began over a slice of Jerry's pie in 1968. This insightful and entertaining history reveals how the impact of these sporting facilities extended far beyond the courts' sidelines to directly shape and influence the social, economic, and political landscapes of Lexington and Central Kentucky. House of Champions also faithfully recreates the full game day experience of fans in the stands for several key games in UK's storied past. It ultimately offers an even greater appreciation of the history of the Wildcats and what the famed indoor stadiums have brought to the program – a must for any true Big Blue Basketball fan.Kevin Cook, the former editor-in-chief of Golf Magazine, has written for Sports Illustrated, GQ, Playboy, Details, Men's Journal, Men's Health, Portfolio, and a variety of other publications, and has appeared on ESPN and CNN as a commentator. Tommy's Honor, his debut book, was named the Best Golf Book of 2007 by the USGA, made Sports Illustrated's 2007 Books of the Year list, and was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award in the United Kingdom.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780813196411 |
| ISBN 10 | 0813196418 |
| Title | House of Champions |
| Author | Kevin Cook |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | The University Press of Kentucky |
| Year published | 2022-11-08 |
| Number of pages | 360 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |