Central Bank Center Renovation (Rupp Arena)
Aging sports and entertainment venues, even those with historic legacies, need to modernize the experience of patrons and engage the surrounding community to keep pace. The redesign of Central Bank Center, which includes the iconic Rupp Arena and a convention center, transforms the storied facility into a modern prototype for entertainment that connects with the surrounding city through a transparent, inviting experience.
As one of the nation's most preeminent sports venues, the renovation of Rupp Arena aims to preserve the authenticity of the original building while creating a more dynamic, engaging experience for fans. The arena features a new suite level and amenities—preserving the original two-tier appearance—while the original structural towers have been rehabilitated as a wayfinding element. New exhibition space, ballrooms and meeting spaces at the adjacent convention center help to form a true civic hub, creating a new center of gravity for the city.
Features
A multi-purpose space connects Rupp Arena with the Central Bank Convention Center Expo Halls.
Project Details
Client Name
City of Lexington
Square Footage
850,000 SF
Program
21,500 seats
Services
Architecture, Interior design, environmental graphics
(Design collaboration with EOP)
Phase
Construction
Client Name
City of Lexington
Square Footage
850,000 SF
Program
21,500 seats
Services
Architecture, Interior design, environmental graphics
(Design collaboration with EOP)
Phase
Construction
AIA Kentucky Citation Award for Design Excellence
AIA Los Angeles, Honor Award, Next LA
AIA Kentucky Citation Award for Design Excellence
AIA Los Angeles, Honor Award, Next LA
CBS Sports, “Rupp Arena set to undergo massive renovations”
ESPN, “Kentucky plans Rupp Arena renovation”
Lexington Herald-Leader, “Architectural firm selected for Rupp's re-invention”
NBC Sports, “Rupp Arena to undergo $310 million renovation”
NCAA, “Kentucky's 38-year-old Rupp Arena to undergo renovations”
Sports Illustrated, “Rupp Arena renovation plans include new facade”
CBS Sports, “Rupp Arena set to undergo massive renovations”
ESPN, “Kentucky plans Rupp Arena renovation”
Lexington Herald-Leader, “Architectural firm selected for Rupp's re-invention”
NBC Sports, “Rupp Arena to undergo $310 million renovation”
NCAA, “Kentucky's 38-year-old Rupp Arena to undergo renovations”
Sports Illustrated, “Rupp Arena renovation plans include new facade”
