Rupp Arena One of Seven Arenas Nominated for Arena of the Year For 36th Annual Pollstar Awards
LEXINGTON, KY (November 13, 2024) – Rupp Arena, proudly managed by Oak View Group, has been nominated in the Arena of the Year category for the 36th Annual Pollstar Awards. The Pollstar Awards are recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry, showcasing the finest talent and the most esteemed venues worldwide. Nominees embody the highest level of excellence and distinction.
"This is a big freaking deal. Rupp Arena has been around since 1976 and is nominated among brand new venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas and the world’s most famous arena Madison Square Garden,” said Brian Sipe, General Manager. "Since Oak View Group took over management in 2021, the positive disruption we've introduced has significantly increased the number of shows we host, reaching fans both in Kentucky and beyond. Being an Oak View Group managed venue, along with our partnership with the Live Nation Arenas division has reinvigorated Central KY’s historic arena. Our team in Lexington is the best in the business and we all celebrate this historic moment."
Nominations were submitted by the Pollstar Awards nominating committee, consisting of agents, promoters, managers, producers, production professionals, venue representatives, and other touring experts. These industry professionals play a vital role in the business and have firsthand experience working with venues worldwide.
Attracting over 1.5 million fans each year, Rupp Arena has solidified itself as one of the premier destinations for live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences for fans. Hosting top-tier artists like Drake, Blink-182, Justin Timberlake, Tyler Childers, and Olivia Rodrigo, Rupp Arena knows how to create an electric atmosphere, bringing the biggest names in music to Kentucky and setting the stage for world-class performances.
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About Rupp Arena
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the Lexington Center Corporation (LCC) is a not-for-profit 501c3 corporate agency of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. It was established in 1974 to manage and maintain Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Central Bank Center (formerly Lexington Convention Center), Triangle Park, and the Lexington Opera House. One of the nation’s most storied entertainment destinations, Central Bank Center venues collectively welcome an average of 1.3 million patrons annually.
Since 1976, Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center has served as the home court of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team, regularly leading the national attendance average. Rupp Arena has hosted legendary artists such as Justin Timberlake, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, and many more. Since 2018, Oak View Group and Live Nation Arenas have provided booking services to Rupp Arena. During the last 18 months, Rupp Arena has broken all previous audience attendance and revenue records in its storied 43-year history.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
VENUE CONTACT:
Lauren Layman – Director of Marketing
Lauren.Layman@oakviewgroup.com | 859.551.3005