KFC Yum! Center Launches Celebration for 15th Anniversary
The KFC Yum! Center’s 15th anniversary celebration kicks off this fall, honoring the arena’s legacy while embracing an ambitious vision for what’s ahead. Owned and operated by the Louisville Arena Authority and managed by Legends Global, the downtown Louisville venue will commemorate its 15th anniversary from October through December 2025 with a series of fan-focused events, community activations, and forward-thinking initiatives.
Since opening its doors in October 2010, the KFC Yum! Center has welcomed more than 13 million guests and hosted nearly 2,000 world-class concerts, sporting events, conventions, and unforgettable moments that have solidified its role as a regional hub of entertainment in the region, resulting in $1.4 billion of economic impact for Metro Louisville.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As part of its anniversary, the Louisville Arena Authority has launched a bold initiative to reimagine the future of the KFC Yum! Center through a comprehensive market study and long-term strategic planning process. In partnership with global venue consultants Forward Associates and Legends Global, this marks the first major planning effort since the arena’s opening. With a focus on evolving fan expectations and community needs, the project aims to enhance guest experiences, increase year-round event potential, and ensure long-term financial sustainability. Community feedback will play a key role in shaping a flexible, data-driven vision for both practical improvements and transformative upgrades, positioning the KFC Yum! Center as a dynamic, world-class destination for the next generation.
Signature Anniversary Events
To celebrate 15 years and thank the fans, partners, and community who made it all possible, the KFC Yum! Center will host a series of anniversary events this fall, with additional activations planned throughout the year:
October 10: Anniversary Kickoff Concert featuring Zack Top + Free Pre-Show Plaza Party
October 24: University of Louisville Men’s Basketball: 15th Anniversary Game
November 23: Free Community Movie Night & Anniversary Celebration
In addition to these signature events, the arena will celebrate all season long with social media campaigns, fan-submitted stories, throwbacks, giveaways, onsite activations, commemorative merchandise, and renovation updates.
A Legacy of Impact
When the KFC Yum! Center first opened, it didn’t just change the Louisville skyline, it ignited a renaissance in the city’s entertainment and tourism sectors. The area surrounding the arena has since transformed, with new restaurants, hotels, bourbon distilleries, and other businesses enhancing the downtown experience and generating significant job growth. The arena has delivered more than $1 billion in economic impact to the Louisville region.
Consistently ranked among the Top 30 arenas in the U.S. for ticket sales, the KFC Yum! Center has hosted music legends such as Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Metallica, Elton John, Bad Bunny, Garth Brooks, Lady Gaga, and Travis Scott, while continuing to attract top-tier national tours. Nate Bargatze, Billy Strings, Cody Johnson, Riley Green and others are set to perform at the arena over the next few months. See a complete list of upcoming events below.
The Home of Cardinal Basketball
The KFC Yum! Center proudly serves as the home court for the University of Louisville’s men’s and women’s basketball programs who have both seen tremendous success inside the KFC Yum! Center.
- The men’s team has welcomed more than 4.5 million fans over the last 15 years and has consistently led the nation in TV ratings for college basketball in very season it has played inside the KFC Yum! Center. During the 2024–25 season, under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey, the team posted the largest single-season turnaround in program history, improving by 14 wins and reigniting a passionate fanbase eager to celebrate their 16th season at the arena.
- The women’s team has led the ACC in attendance every year since the arena opened and has ranked in the Top 10 nationally in attendance in every season since the arena opened. The Lady Cardinals have won over 200 games at the KFC Yum! Center, boasting a .888 home winning percentage over the past 15 seasons.
A Stage for Historic Moments
Beyond concerts and basketball, the KFC Yum! Center has hosted many impactful and historic events—including Muhammad Ali’s funeral in 2016, the Dalai Lama’s public talk in 2013, 18 NCAA championship events, and major conventions that have driven significant tourism and visibility for the city.
“Since opening in 2010, the KFC Yum! Center has become one of our city’s most significant economic drivers and a source of civic pride,” said Leslie Geoghegan, Chair of the Louisville Arena Authority. “This anniversary is not just about looking back, it’s a celebration of the role this arena continues to play in shaping Louisville’s future.”
Fans and community members are encouraged to follow along throughout the season via social media and the official website, www.kfcyumcenter.com, for exclusive giveaways, behind-the-scenes content, and additional event announcements.
Upcoming Events
- October 5, 2025 – Nate Bargatze
- October 10, 2025 – Zack Top (Anniversary Concert)
- October 18–19, 2025 – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire
- October 24, 2025 – March 4, 2026 – University of Louisville Men’s Basketball
- October 25, 2025 – Elevation Worship
- November 1, 2025 – University of Louisville Women’s Volleyball
- November 9, 2025 – March 1, 2025 – University of Women’s Basketball
- November 13, 2025 – Zach Williams and Crowder
- November 21, 2025 – Gabriel Iglesias
- November 23, 2025 – Movie Night & Community Celebration
- December 5, 2025 – Billy Strings
- December 19, 2025 – Lindsey Stirling
- January 16, 2026 – Harlem Globetrotters
- February 14, 2026 – Cody Johnson
- April 17, 2026 – Riley Green
- April 24, 2026 – Brandon Lake