May 22, 1975 KY Colonels win ABA Championship
- Thread starter rick64
- Start date
I still have game programs from the 1975 playoffs. I’m not really looking to sell them but I would be curious to know what they’re worth. I can’t imagine there are too many floating around.
Is that the one written by Bob Costas, where he talks about the flight from Louisville to St. Louis that took off at 1 pm Louisville time and landed at 12:55 pm St. Louis time, and Marvin Barnes told Costas 'I ain't getting in no time machine, man."
Playoff Matchups Between the Colonels and Pacers:
- 1969 Eastern Division Semifinals: The Colonels lost to the Pacers in a tightly contested series, 4–3.
- 1970 Eastern Division Finals: The Colonels were defeated by the Pacers, 4–1
- 1973 ABA Finals: The Pacers edged out the Colonels in a seven-game series, winning 4–3 to claim the championship.
- 1975 ABA Finals: The Colonels triumphed over the Pacers, winning the series 4–1 to secure their only ABA championship.
In the ABA, where the 3-point line was used extensively (unlike the NBA at the time), Dampier was known as a prolific long-range shooter.
ABA Career 3-Point Stats:
- 3-Point Attempts per Game: ~3.8
- 3-Point Percentage: 35.7%
- Total 3-Pointers Made: 794
- Total 3-Point Attempts: 2,207
Kentucky Colonels (ABA, 1967–1976)
The Colonels played their home games at venues like the Louisville Convention Center and Freedom Hall. Their attendance varied over the years:Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2remembertheaba.com+2
- 1968–69: Average home attendance was 4,157. Wikipedia+1sportsteamhistory.com+1
- 1970–71: Average home attendance increased to 7,375. Fun While It Lasted+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
- 1972–73: Average home attendance was 7,113. greenvillesportsmedia.com+14Wikipedia+14sportsteamhistory.com+14
- 1974–75: During their championship season, the Colonels averaged over 8,000 fans per game. Fun While It Lasted
- Overall: The Colonels' average home attendance over their ABA tenure was approximately 8,727. sportsteamhistory.com+1Wikipedia+1
University of Kentucky Wildcats
UK has consistently ranked among the national leaders in college basketball attendance. While specific attendance figures from 1967 to 1976 are not readily available, historical data indicates that the Wildcats have maintained high attendance numbers over the years. For instance, in the 2016–17 season, UK averaged 23,361 fans per home game. Wikipedia
University of Louisville Cardinals
UofL also boasts a strong basketball following. Similar to UK, specific attendance figures from the 1967–1976 period are scarce. However, in the 2016–17 season, the Cardinals averaged 20,859 fans per home game. Wikipedia
Summary Comparison
| Team | Average Attendance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Colonels | 4,157–8,727 | Peaked during championship seasons; overall ABA average was 8,727. |
| University of Kentucky | Data from 2016–17: 23,361 | Consistently among national leaders in attendance. |
| University of Louisville | Data from 2016–17: 20,859 | Strong fan base with high attendance figures. |
One of the biggest mistakes in the history of the State of Kentucky was letting the Colonels dissolve. Think of all the tax revenue lost over the years. Pacers may win the NBA this year, Colonels long forgotten. They were drawing 8000 per game when the NBA was barely surviving.
Huge Brown said the 75 Colonels was one of the, if not the, best pro teams he ever saw. Could you just imagine them going up against the Celtics, Lakers, and 76ers in the early 80s? What a great time that would have been for the state.
Anyone recall what style of basketball they played?
Probably pounded it into the two star bigs a lot?
I just don't really remember the ABA at all
I should look for Kentucky Colonels gear online as a gift for some ppl
Maybe they still make jackets or something?
Probably pounded it into the two star bigs a lot?
I just don't really remember the ABA at all
I should look for Kentucky Colonels gear online as a gift for some ppl
Maybe they still make jackets or something?
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I have a dozen RC Cola bottles unopened showing the 1975 Kentucky ABA Championship Logo on them. Does anyone think they may have some value as a collectibles item.