The first concert in Rupp Arena featured Lawrence Welk and his orchestra and was attended by about 20,000 fans on Oct. 17, 1976, a Sunday afternoon. Adolph Rupp, the legendary basketball coach, and his family were in attendance. Welk, then 73, had been friends with Rupp for many years. Click on the photos above and below for an enlarged view. Click here to see a gallery of images celebrating Rupp Arena’s 40th anniversary.

Lawrence Welk led his orchestra at Rupp Arena on Oc. 17, 1976.  Welk, told the crowd that former Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp had promised him a chance to play at the opening of his new home. He thanked Rupp and gave him a baton as a memento.