2025 NCAA Dunk Contest: Mark Pope Chooses Kentucky as the Venue for High-Flying Showdown
Lexington, KY – The 2025 NCAA Dunk Contest is set to electrify basketball fans, and this year, the spotlight shines on Kentucky as the chosen venue, courtesy of Mark Pope. The head coach of BYU, known for his innovative approaches and flair for the dramatic, selected the historic Rupp Arena in Lexington as the stage for this year’s high-flying showdown.
Mark Pope, who has become a prominent figure in college basketball, made the decision to host the event at Kentucky, a school with deep ties to his coaching career. Pope, a former assistant coach at Kentucky under John Calipari, cited the arena’s rich basketball history and its significance in the sport as key reasons for his choice. “Rupp Arena is an iconic venue that has seen some of the greatest moments in college basketball. It’s the perfect place to showcase the athleticism and creativity of the nation’s top dunkers,” Pope said in a statement.
The decision to bring the dunk contest to Kentucky has been met with excitement from fans and players alike. Rupp Arena, with its capacity of over 20,000, is expected to be packed with enthusiastic spectators eager to witness the gravity-defying feats of the NCAA’s best dunkers. The event, which will feature top players from across the country, promises to be a highlight of the college basketball season.
Pope’s selection of Kentucky as the host venue is also seen as a nod to his roots and a way to honor the program where he spent pivotal years of his coaching career. “Kentucky has always been a special place for me, and I’m thrilled to bring this event here,” Pope added.
As the 2025 NCAA Dunk Contest approaches, anticipation is building for what is sure to be an unforgettable display of athleticism and skill. With Rupp Arena as the backdrop, this year’s contest is poised to be one of the most memorable in NCAA history.
