Mayor Linda Gorton today announced Basketball Week, a week-long celebration of Lexington’s rich history of high school and collegiate basketball. Joining the Mayor was University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mark Pope, UK Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kenny Brooks, Transylvania University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Brian Lane, Transylvania Women’s Basketball Head Coach Hannah Varel, representatives of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, and Fayette County Public Schools. “Our 250th anniversary is a year-long celebration of all things Lexington, and what’s more Lexington than basketball?” Gorton said. “We are excited to shine a light on those who have paved the way, establishing basketball as a tradition of excellence here in the Commonwealth.” Former players will by highlighted on social media. Basketball Week will kick off on January 25 and continue through February 1, crowded with high school and college games. The week concludes with the University of Kentucky Men’s Home Basketball Game against Arkansas, set for 9 p.m. Saturday, February 1, at Rupp Arena. 250Lex is hosting Basketball Week in partnership with the University of Kentucky Athletics, Transylvania University, Fayette County Public Schools, and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. The coaches and athletics officials spoke out about Basketball Week: Coach Mark Pope, “The players, staff and I are thrilled to be a part of the first-ever Lexington Basketball Week because our city lives and breathes basketball 24/7 unlike anywhere else in the country! We are so excited to celebrate the passion for this great game with our fellow Lexingtonians and honor some of the city’s terrific players next week and in the years to come.” Coach Kenny Brooks: “It’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of a community that admires basketball as much as my staff, players and I do. My family and I have made it our lives, and it goes without saying a lot of families in Lexington and Kentucky have made it a part of their lives, too. I’m glad we can celebrate our joy and love for the sport together next week.” Coach Brian Lane: “Basketball has always been more than just a game in Lexington—it’s a cornerstone of our culture and community. For the mayor to declare ‘Basketball Week’ in celebration of our city’s 250-year history is an incredible tribute to the sport that has united generations. From the historic games at Rupp Arena, McAllister and the Beck Center, to the countless young players who’ve honed their craft in local gyms, basketball is woven into the fabric of who we are. It’s an honor to be part of a city where the love of the game runs so deep.” Coach Hannah Varel: “Basketball is much more than just a game in Lexington — it’s a tradition, a source of pride, and a bond that unites our community. As a newcomer to Lexington, I quickly understood how deeply this sport connects the city. Celebrating Lexington’s 250th year, Basketball Week is a time to reflect on the memories we’ve created and the spirit that keeps this city thriving.” Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Julian Tackett: “Basketball is a rich part of the heritage of this city, all the way back to the first championship, won by the school now known as Henry Clay. We, and our member schools, are proud to be a part of this rich heritage and to help celebrate Basketball Week.” For more information about the city’s 250th anniversary event calendar, visit www.250Lex.com.  Stay updated with all things 250Lex by following @250LexKY on Facebook and X. Follow @250Lexington on Instagram. Basketball Week Games January 25 Transylvania Women vs Rose-Hulman 1 p.m. Frederick Douglass Boys vs Dunbar 2 p.m. Transylvania Men vs Rose-Hulman 3 p.m. January 26 UK Women vs Arkansas Noon Henry Clay Boys vs Lafayette @ LTMS 7:30 p.m. January 27 Henry Clay Girls vs Dunbar 7:30 p.m. January 28 Lafayette Boys vs Lex Cath 7:30 p.m. Douglass Girls vs Madison Southern 7:30 p.m. January 29 Lafayette Girls vs Henry Clay 7:30 p.m. January 30 UK Women vs Alabama 7:00 p.m. Dunbar Boys vs Tates Creek 7:30 p.m. January 31 Bryan Station G/B DH vs Douglass 6:00/7:30 p.m. Sayre Girls vs Wolfe County 6:00 p.m. Sayre Boys vs Scott County 7:30 p.m. Lexington Catholic Girls vs Lafayette 7:30 p.m. LCA Boys vs Lexington Catholic 7:45 p.m. Dunbar Girls vs East Jessamine 7:30 p.m. February 1 LCA Girls vs Lexington Catholic 6:30 p.m. UK Men vs Arkansas 9:00 p.m. The post Basketball Week coming to Lexington! appeared first on The Lexington Times.