LEXINGTON, KY — Keep the change, Kentuckians. Multiple venues in the Commonwealth are going cashless. Central Bank Center announced in a news release Tuesday that on March 2, Rupp Arena, the Central Bank Convention Center and The Lexington Opera House will no longer be accepting cash as payment for parking and concessions.

What You Need To Know

  • Rupp Arena, the Central Bank Convention Center, and The Lexington Opera House will no longer accept cash as a form of payment for parking and concessions

  • The policy will go into effect following the conclusion of the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball regular home season on March 2

  • Cashless payments will go into effect starting on March 4 at Rupp Arena with comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

  • Prepaid parking at the Rupp Arena Parking Lots will now be available through Ticketmaster for most events

The new policy will go into place following the conclusion of the University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball regular home season.

“As consumers have embraced digital engagement during the pandemic, we have a timely opportunity to create a better experience for our patrons while streamlining our own operations,” said Brian Sipe, general manager of Central Bank Center, in the news release. “With new digital payment options, Central Bank Center patrons will enjoy more time watching the show and less time waiting in line.” 

Entertainment company Oak View Group and restaurant and hospitality company Levy Restaurants are partnering to innovate the payment processes across the entire complex. 

“I can promise our fans, this is only the beginning of delivering a first-class experience as you enjoy concerts, basketball, trade shows, comedy, theatre and all of the other great live entertainment at your Central Bank Center complex,” Sipe said in the release.

According to Central Bank Center, acceptable forms of payment include all major credit cards, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Mobile payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, will also be accepted.

The release stated that cashless payments will go into effect starting on March 4 at Rupp Arena with comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. Cash will continue to be accepted at the various Central Bank Center Box Offices and at artist merchandise stands. 

As the venues convert to a cashless complex, prepaid parking at the Rupp Arena Parking Lots will now be available through Ticketmaster.com for most events. Fans should look for the add-on option when purchasing tickets for events.

Those who have already purchased tickets to upcoming events will have the opportunity to add parking to their experience as a separate purchase. There are limited parking spaces available.

For more information, visit the Central Bank Center's website. 

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