LEXINGTON, Ky. — There's a new, but familiar sponsor for the center that houses iconic Rupp Arena. Lexington Center, the downtown convention, meeting, and sports venue, has entered into a multi-year naming rights deal with Central Bank.

The convention complex will now be called the Central Bank Center. Rupp Arena will now be Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

Central Bank already has sponsorship deals with the University of Kentucky and JMI Sports, the new agreement with the Lexington Center Corporation increases its annual average investment to $4.1 million for 14 years, expiring in 2033. The Center is currently undergoing renovations and after those are complete, Central Banks' investment for naming rights will be $1.5 million. 

“This is a milestone agreement which represents the first naming rights agreement in the 44-year history of this legendary facility,” said Bob Elliston, Lexington Center Corporation Board Chairman. “We are thrilled to align with such a strong community leader, Central Bank. Central Bank has had a longstanding, 30-plus year relationship with Lexington Center. We are confident they will protect and advance the tradition of these fine facilities and we are excited to begin this new decade of our service to the community and the region as Central Bank Center!” 

Efforts were made to make sure the agreement preserved and honored the basketball program led by Adolph Rupp which is why the arena will be called Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Visitors will see the Central Bank logo on signage on in the inside, outside, and other areas around the center.

“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. “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.