Scenes from Rupp Arena: A Blue Santa, Blue Face and More

The Kentucky basketball team was desperate for a win, and so were the fans. Big Blue Nation filled up Rupp Arena for a primetime matchup against an old rival, Indiana, and it created an electric atmosphere.

During the second half, the Wildcats went on a 17-2 run. It brought the Rupp Arena crowd to its feet, and the Hoosiers could feel the heat.

“The crowd got cranked up,” head coach Darian DeVries said after the loss. “That’s the time where you really have to dig into your screens more and play with discipline.”

In between the action, Kentucky kept fans engaged with a few lively moments on the court. The Cats have just one more home game before Christmas. Ahead of the event, they brought out the big guy, Santa Claus. This wasn’t your usual Santa Claus. He ripped off his traditional garb to show some Kentucky blue. The image of Santa pulling off his belt is something else.

Santa Claus wears blue in Rupp Arena! pic.twitter.com/IzHsWm065u
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) December 14, 2025

It was a lot of blue. Not nearly as much blue as this fan brought to Rupp Arena.

pic.twitter.com/LKO3pGBXP0
— No Context College Basketball (@ContextFreeCBB) December 14, 2025

That paint job was impressive. So was this blue Grinch, whose heart grew three sizes after the Kentucky win.

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A blue Grinch was at Rupp Arena for the Kentucky win over Indiana, via Mont Dawson, KSR

Santa Claus got the folks on their feet. He fired up the crowd, and so did another former Kentucky great. Aaron Harrison made some of the most unforgettable shots in Kentucky NCAA Tournament history. On Saturday, he was back at Rupp Arena as the Y.

Tonight’s Y, Aaron Harrison! pic.twitter.com/smFF6lWF13
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 14, 2025

More than 10 years later, he’s still squinting.

Former Kentucky guard Aaron Harrison is the Y at Rupp Arena, via Mont Dawson, KSR

Once the final horn sounded in the 72-60 victory, Kentucky Sports Radio was on the court for the celebration at Rupp Arena. It was a feel-good moment for a team that desperately needed it.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.