By Whitney Spencer
I’ve only been alive to witness 20 years of Freedom Hall history and only 12 of those years I can really remember. But Billy Reed made me feel as if I was a part of many historic moments in the extraordinary arena. His anecdote in the foreword about Elvis Presley kissing the mother of Reed’s children in concert at Freedom Hall brought the personal touch to “Celebrating 54 Years at Freedom Hall.”
Reed tells fans about Freedom Hall’s growth and its influence on the sports world. At the time of its conception, Freedom Hall was revolutionary, as no other cities had such an arena. This place has housed some of the most memorable events during its 54 years.
The history lessons are the reason I loved this book, particularly because there aren’t very many places in the country that hold so much history within four walls. Not only does this book make you understand the capacity of the basketball games, concerts and horse shows, but it makes you feel as if you could almost relive them.
Each chapter is like opening a new book. Reed brilliantly introduces the plethora of happenings inside Freedom Hall over the years—each as its own separate story. The pictures on each page bring the stories to life, at times consuming the reader’s attention.
You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy what’s inside this book. From Mick Jagger to a young Michael Jackson alongside the Jackson 5, the heavy beat of a drum and the howling of a guitar have rocked the walls in Freedom Hall. The Elvis anecdote comes equipped with plenty of photos for any music lover to savor.
To flip through the pages of the chapters entitled “Boxing” and “UK-UL Series” brings the national prominence of this building back to a down-home feel. Old pictures of Muhammad Ali in his prime and the photos chronicling the Battle of the Bluegrass are a reminder of just how important Freedom Hall has been for the city of Louisville.
“Celebrating 54 Years at Freedom Hall” is filled with short anecdotes that bring personality and a bit of fun. Whether it be The Courier-Journal sports writer Jody Demling or Dr. John Ellis, the University of Louisville team doctor, everyone has a Freedom Hall memory and readers will be captivated by each one.
Though the final game will be played in Freedom Hall this weekend, the memories of 54 years will be strewn across the walls and halls of this historic building. This energetic book captures the beauty of Freedom Hall’s history and will forever encapsulate the lasting mark Freedom Hall has left on the sports world.
