Can you imagine Cameron Indoor Stadium being renamed Duke Energy Arena? How about Fenway Park being renamed Barnes & Noble Field, or Neyland Stadium changing its name to Whirlpool Stadium? (You could call it “The Hot Tub.”)

Of course, the faithful might revolt at the thought of pushing all that tradition aside.
But when it comes time to replace aging arenas and stadiums, there are often two alternatives: Either the taxpayers foot the bill (particularly for pro sports) or you sell the naming rights to the highest bidder to cover much of the funding.

Faced with that choice, most fans would opt for the latter.

A couple weeks ago, IMG/ISG launched a feasibility study on replacing 32-year-old Rupp Arena, the beloved home of University of Kentucky basketball. The project will also include significant upgrades to Kentucky’s football facility, Commonwealth Stadium, and a new baseball stadium, all of which are projected to cost $300 million or more, school officials said.

The goal is to build enough revenue-generating opportunities into the facilities — premium seating, sponsorships, naming rights, signage — to secure a return for the private investor at little cost to the taxpayer or the university.

What’s lost? Maybe the name of Wildcat coaching legend Adolph Rupp won’t be on the home of the basketball team in the future. For those who favor nostalgia and history, that might be a tough pill to swallow.

What’s gained? Brand new facilities paid for by private interests.

Is that selling out tradition for the sake of a buck? Some will think so, and they’ll be ticked off. But they’ll get over it, particularly when Louisville comes calling.