Gamechanger: The Lexington Center Story To Air in December on KET

LEXINGTON, KY (Nov.9, 2015) – On the eve of the 40th anniversary year of the Lexington Center and Rupp Arena first opening in 1976, Gamechanger: The Lexington Center Story  will air on KET networks during the month of December.

Gamechanger, an initiative of the Lexington Center board and senior management, tells the story of how a group of civic-minded individuals pursued a dream to create a beacon of culture and an economic engine in what was once a dying city core.

Over 16 hours of interviews were conducted by legendary UK Wildcats Broadcaster Ralph Hacker, who also serves as the narrator on the film.  Participants include: 

The “Alleycats”

DeWitt Hisle
Roy Holsclaw
Elbert “Eb” Ray

Original Lexington Center Board Members

Linda Carey
Jake Graves
William Hoskins

Original Consultants, Collaborators and Champions

Thomas P. Dupree – Bonding Consultant
Jack Givens – UK Basketball All-American
Joe B. Hall – UK Men’s Head Basketball Coach 1972-1985
Jim Host – First Executive Director
Tom Minter – First General Manger
Porter G. Peeples, CEO Lexington/Fayette Urban League
David Petersen – Second Executive Director
Foster Pettit – Mayor of Lexington
Merrill Richardson – First Director of Facilities
Byron Romaowitz – Johnson Romanowitz Architects

Lexington Convention Center, Rupp Arena and the historic Lexington Opera House are today at the heart of a vibrant downtown scene in Lexington. They are also three of the most widely recognized entertainment venues in the region and collectively see over 1.3 million people pass through their doors annually.                                                                   

The one hour documentary program, produced by Award-winning filmmaker Arthur Rouse, captures  recollections and memories of 16 individuals who were instrumental in the creation and early development of Lexington Center.  More than a retelling of history, the documentary is a tribute to the dedication and tenacity of the men and women who conceived, designed, opened and operated the Lexington Center.                                                                         

The film is laid out chronologically in chapters that cover the spark of an idea to build a bigger basketball arena and the plan to become one of the first design/build projects in Kentucky, which ultimately became an innovative Design/Build/Invest approach to very creative financing that was “not an easy paper to sell.”

This is “must see” history for every UK Wildcats Fan.

Gamechanger: The Lexington Center Story air dates and times:

Dec. 13, 12 am – KET KY

Dec. 13, 12 pm – KET KY

Dec. 15,  8 pm – KET KY

Dec. 17, 6 am – KET KY

Dec. 17, 10 pm – KET2

Dec. 20, 3 pm – KET

Dec. 21, 4 am – KET

Dec. 28, 4 pm – KET KY