LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Lexington’s high school and college basketball communities are coming together for a celebration of the game they love from January 25 to February 1. The eight day stretch of 19 games across the high school and college ranks is a part of the city’s 250th birthday celebrations. “Our 250th anniversary is a year-long celebration of all things Lexington, and what’s more Lexington than basketball?” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “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.” “We Bleed Basketball” Gorton, flanked by Kentucky’s Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks announced the commemorative celebration inside Historic Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday. “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,” said Pope. “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,” said Brooks. “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.” From Transylvania University, head coaches Brian Lane and Hannah Varel were in attendance. “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,” said Lane. “It’s an honor to be part of a city where the love of the game runs so deep.” “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,” said Varel. Surrounding the college coaches were dozens of high school basketball coaches whose team will play during the week. “I was so excited to get to talk to Kenny Brooks,” said Henry Clay girls basketball Head Coach Ashley Garrard. “It’s exciting to be a part of it and hopefully I can give him some good games to check out.” “We bleed basketball here,” said Frederick Douglass girls basketball Head Coach Daryl Moberly. “It’s always big to show support. Once kids see that they have the backing and people supporting them it makes them strive more towards their goals.” 19 Games in Eight Days 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.   Categories: Featured, Local News, More Sports, Solid Blue, Sports Tags: 250th birthday, Basketball, Fayette County, high school sports, Kentucky, KHSAA, Lexington, Pioneers, Transylvania University, Wildcats