{"product_id":"house-of-champions-the-story-of-kentucky-basketballs-home-courts-paperback","title":"House of Champions: The Story of Kentucky Basketball's Home Courts - Paperback","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/reportcopyrightinfringement.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReport copyright infringement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eKevin Cook\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003cbr\u003eIn\u003ci\u003e House of Champions: The Story of Kentucky Basketball's Home Courts, \u003c\/i\u003eauthor 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 University of Kentucky basketball. A number of fascinating backstories are uncovered, including the excitement of Alumni Gym's opening night in 1925, the problematic acquisition of Black community land for the building of Memorial Coliseum, and the painstaking inscription of nearly ten thousand names of Kentucky's World War II and Korean War heroes to be displayed along 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.\u003cbr\u003eThis insightful and entertaining history reveals how the impact of sporting facilities extends far beyond game night as they continue to shape and influence the social, economic, and political landscapes of Lexington and central Kentucky.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eKevin Cook\u003c\/b\u003e has degrees in engineering and American history. His published works include a comprehensive study of the Rochester Royals' NBA franchise in \u003ci\u003eRochester History\u003c\/i\u003e, articles in the \u003ci\u003eJessamine Journal\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eGerman Life\u003c\/i\u003e, and a self-published travel memoir titled \u003ci\u003eWhere Am I, Rick Steves? A Misguided Tour of Europe's Back Doors\u003c\/i\u003e. He has worked as a naval officer, a high school teacher, and a corporate sales representative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 360\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.02 x 9.13 x 5.91 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e November 08, 2022\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53654503194931,"sku":"9780813196411","price":36.11,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0300\/5595\/6612\/files\/gUdoWsLqhr9780813196411.webp?v=1784004997","url":"https:\/\/www.vysn.com\/products\/house-of-champions-the-story-of-kentucky-basketballs-home-courts-paperback","provider":"VYSN","version":"1.0","type":"link"}