Pitino asks Kentucky fans not to boo Calipari in return to Rupp Arena

Rick Pitino hopes Kentucky fans will be on their best behavior Saturday when former Wildcats head coach John Calipari makes his return to Rupp Arena.

Pitino delivered a message to the Big Blue Nation ahead of Kentucky's game against Arkansas, and he encouraged fans to give Calipari a warm reception and show respect.

"He's coming back on Saturday and I want all of you to show the great class that you have," the St. John's head coach said in a video posted on X. "Twenty-three thousand-plus people giving him a huge standing ovation. Show him what respect and admiration's all about. I know you have the class, I've always believed in you. Do it once again."

Pitino found himself in a similar situation as Calipari in 2001 when he returned to Rupp Arena for the first time since leaving Kentucky for the NBA. The then-Louisville head coach was greeted by a sea of boos in his return but received a much warmer welcome last year.

Calipari served as head coach at Kentucky from 2009 to 2024, during which time he led the Wildcats to four Final Four appearances and a national championship in 2012.