Rupp Arena gets a name change

Rupp Arena, home of the Kentucky Wildcats, is getting a name change.

On Thursday, Lexington Center Corporation announced a naming rights agreement with Central Bank, rebranding the Lexington Center, which is right next to Rupp Arena, as Central Bank Center.

In addition, Rupp Arena will now be called Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. This comes as Rupp Arena is in the middle of a $241-million renovation that is expected to be completed in November 2021.

“The power of partnership enables us to pursue our goal of building an elite athletics department and empowering young people to grow as students, athletes and people,” Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said in a press release. “Central Bank, the Lexington Center and JMI Sports have all been strong and committed partners of our university for a long time and we are proud to announce this next phase of our partnership.

“It was also essential to us that we preserve the name of this incredible venue out of respect for Coach Rupp, his accomplishments and his family. We want to preserve and enhance the unmatched tradition of the building that bears his name. We look forward to playing at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center for years to come.”

Read more about the big changes here.