It took more than a decade of planning and construction, but that might be considered ancient history as government, business, and civic leaders celebrated the grand opening of Lexington’s Central Bank Center.
“We got it done right for all of Lexington and all of Kentucky. Here, Here, cheers everybody”
Former Lexington Mayor Jim Gray offered the toast to cap off the formal ceremony recognizing the completion of the $310 million convention center expansion and Rupp Arena renovation. Current Mayor Linda Gorton said the large economic endeavor plowed through the pandemic.
“But, we held on and kept our eyes and kept our eyes on the future and now it’s time to celebrate,” said Gorton.
Inside, there is 100,000 plus square feet of exhibit hall space, a 25,000 square foot ballroom, and 16 meeting rooms, paving the way for larger conventions. Outside, a new façade replaces the “big box” look of the original 1976 building.
Former Lexington Mayor and current State Transportation Secretary Jim Gray had the vision for the project.
“You take a project like this that has, on the surface a big price tag. But when you translate the economic opportunity and the economic value associated with it and the way it catapults and economy, that’s what provides the real catalyst for doing it,” said Gray.
During his remarks, Governor Beshear said the Central Bank Center could be part of $100 million in economic activity annually. And the latest agreement has UK playing basketball in Rupp Arena through 2033.
A much larger and updated downtown convention center facility in Lexington is expected to bring more people to town. VisitLex President Mary Quinn Ramer noted the center can provide tens of millions of dollars in economic benefit each year.
“In many ways the hospitality industry is still very much in the early stages of recovery, so it’s hard to have too crystal clear of a ball right now. But, it will be sizeable. It will be a sizeable kickback to this community by virtue of having this expanded convention center,” said Ramer.
Ramer added seven new conventions have been booked so far, due to the expanded space, with several others in the pipeline. The existing contracts mean 25,000 hotel rooms and about a $25 million economic impact.
