Exhibitor guide · Downtown Lexington, Kentucky
Central Bank Center: the exhibitor's guide
100,000 square feet of exhibit hall space attached to Rupp Arena, home of Kentucky basketball, and a $310 million, decade-long expansion that wrapped up in 2022. What exhibitors need to know in the heart of horse country.
Central Bank Center · 430 W Vine StWhy this page exists
The Central Bank Center traces back to April 1971, when the Lexington-Fayette County Recreational, Tourist, and Convention Commission first formed; groundbreaking followed in 1974 and the combined Lexington Center and Rupp Arena opened November 27, 1976. Rupp Arena, named for legendary University of Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp and seating 20,500, remains the building's most famous tenant, but the attached convention center offers 100,000 sq ft of exhibit hall space, a 25,000 sq ft ballroom, and 16 meeting rooms in its own right, refreshed by a $310 million expansion that took a decade to plan and build before wrapping up in 2022. This guide covers the exhibit space, Kentucky's labor rules, drayage, and downtown Lexington's bluegrass-country setting.
The building
The exhibit space
| Space | What it is | Typical shows | Booth planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibit hall | 100,000 sq ft. | Regional trade shows, agricultural and equine industry events | Confirm current dock count. |
| Multi-purpose ballroom | 25,000 sq ft. | Galas, general sessions | Carpeted; confirm floor protection needs. |
| 16 meeting rooms | Distributed across the center. | Breakouts, association meetings | Hand-carry and tabletop formats. |
Figures from the Central Bank Center's published facility overview.
The labor map
Who sets up my booth?
Kentucky has been a right-to-work state since January 2017; confirm hand-carry and self-install allowances with the show's official contractor.
Right-to-work since 2017; the show contractor sets the terms
Rules vary by show; Purple confirms current terms before your build.
Exhibitor-appointed contractors
Purple files as your EAC for Central Bank Center shows.
History
From 1971 to the 2022 expansion
The Lexington-Fayette County Recreational, Tourist, and Convention Commission forms, setting the combined arena-and-convention-center project in motion.
Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for Lexington Center and Rupp Arena.
Lexington Center and Rupp Arena open, with Rupp Arena, seating 20,500 and named for legendary University of Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp, becoming the building's signature tenant.
A $310 million expansion, a decade in the planning and building, wraps up, refreshing the convention center and arena alike under the Central Bank Center name.
Free tool
Central Bank Center drayage estimator
Planning numbers for 2026 and 2027; your show's exhibitor kit has the tariff.
Logistics
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
- Airport: Blue Grass Airport is about 15 minutes.
- Walking: downtown Lexington hotels and Thoroughbred Park are a short walk.
- Nearby: Kentucky's horse farm country surrounds the city.
- Crew: Purple coordinates Mid-South crews for Lexington installs.
| Hotel | Distance | Why exhibitors pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Lexington hotels | Walking distance | Closest options to the Central Bank Center. |
| Hotels near Blue Grass Airport | 15-min drive | Fly-in exhibitors on early or late flights. |
Questions
Central Bank Center FAQ
Is this the same building as Rupp Arena?
Yes, the Central Bank Center includes both the convention center and Rupp Arena, home of University of Kentucky basketball, under one roof.
How big is the exhibit hall?
100,000 square feet, plus a 25,000 square foot ballroom and 16 meeting rooms.
Can I set up my own booth?
Kentucky has been right-to-work since 2017; confirm hand-carry allowances with your show's official contractor.
How much is drayage?
Purple's planning estimate is about $125 per hundredweight in 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum.
How big is the ballroom?
25,000 square feet, alongside 16 meeting rooms.
When did the 2022 expansion finish?
2022, completing a $310 million, decade-long project.
Exhibiting at the Central Bank Center?
Send us the show and booth number. You get a labor briefing, a drayage estimate, and a build timeline within two business days.
Purple in Kentucky
Exhibiting in Kentucky? Purple builds, ships and installs nationwide.
Custom and rental booths, install & dismantle crews and show services, delivered to any hall in Kentucky.
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