KFC Yum! Center’s 15th Anniversary Brings Major Roof Replacement and Launch of Long-Term Strategic Planning
Louisville, KY (August 11, 2025) – As the KFC Yum! Center approaches its 15th anniversary this October, the milestone will be marked not only by celebration but also by significant capital improvements and long-term strategic planning.
The Louisville Arena Authority (LAA) will invest an estimated $13.6 million into the KFC Yum! Center for major infrastructure upgrades this fall, with the centerpiece being the full replacement of the facility’s 250,000 square foot original roof. The roof project, which began August 4, 2025, is projected to be completed by December 2025.
The roof replacement marks the largest single capital project approved by the LAA. More than $100 million of other significant renovation and replacement initiatives are envisioned over the next 15 years. These capital improvements and reimagining the guest experience for everyone who enters the arena are integral to the overall strategy to keep the arena a top-tier destination for sports and live entertainment.
Deer Park Roofing, a top-ranked Louisville-based roofing company, was selected to manage the roof replacement project through a competitive RFP process overseen by the Louisville Arena Authority.
“This roof replacement is just one component of our long-term vision to ensure the KFC Yum! Center remains a premier entertainment and sports destination,” said Leslie Geoghegan, Chair of the Louisville Arena Authority. “From NCAA basketball and championship volleyball to sold-out concerts and community events, this arena plays a vital role in the life of our city. We’re committed to making strategic investments that garner its continued success for many years to come.”
The work is being completed in conjunction with the arena’s 15th anniversary plans, which are designed to honor its legacy and the expectation for a strong, sustainable future. Additional details about the anniversary celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.
As part of the strategic planning process, the Louisville Arena Authority is conducting a comprehensive market study to gain deeper insight into the evolving preferences of event organizers, performers and fans. The findings will help shape the strategic plan for future enhancements and guide key investment decisions. More details on these exciting developments will be shared in the months ahead.
Construction of the new roof has been scheduled around the arena’s event calendar to minimize disruptions. The venue will remain fully operational throughout the duration of the project, with no anticipated disruptions to its lineup of concerts, University of Louisville sporting events, and other programming.
“This is an exciting step forward for the KFC Yum! Center and our clients and fans,” said Eric Granger, ASM Global General Manager of the KFC Yum! Center. “We are thrilled to be working with Deer Park on this important project. While replacing the roof is an operational upgrade, it’s a critical step in maintaining and enhancing the guest experience that our fans, performers, and athletes expect. We’ve strategically planned construction around our event calendar for minimal disruption, and we are grateful the LAA provides the support needed to ensure the arena is not just properly maintained, but enhanced, for our guests.”
The KFC Yum! Center roof, originally installed when the arena opened in 2010, has reached the end of its 15-year warranty and needs to be replaced. The new roof will come with a 30-year warranty, ensuring long-term durability.
“Deer Park Roofing is honored to be selected for reroofing the KFC Yum! Center—a venue that plays such an important role in the heart of Louisville,” said Nick Sabino, President of Deer Park Roofing. “This project represents not only a significant investment in infrastructure but also a commitment to the continued vibrancy of the city. Our team is ready to deliver the highest quality work on this iconic facility.”
Road closures are anticipated, with further details to be provided in the coming days.
For project updates, follow the KFC Yum! Center on Facebook and Instagram or visit the renovation update page of the KFC Yum! Center’s website.