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Private entrance, restrooms and food: Walkthrough Rupp Arena’s new VIP Club room

There’s a new, posh way to feel like a VIP at Rupp Arena.

The downtown Lexington arena unveiled its new Club Tickets plus VIP Experience during Wednesday’s Jim Gaffigan comedy show.

The exclusive area with a capacity of 400 gives patrons privacy at the arena’s big ticket events such as concerts. The University of Kentucky will have access to the room during basketball games.

The new private room is part of the multi-year, nearly $300 million expansion and renovation of Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena.

Michael Creech, center, and Andrea Creech, both of Lexington, make their way through the hors d’oeuvres In the new VIP Club before comedian Jim Gaffigan takes the stage at Rupp Arena Aug. 18, 2021. The new club offers an exclusive experience including VIP parking, a private entrance, premium club seating, and complimentary food and soft drinks.
Michael Creech, center, and Andrea Creech, both of Lexington, make their way through the hors d’oeuvres In the new VIP Club before comedian Jim Gaffigan takes the stage at Rupp Arena Aug. 18, 2021. The new club offers an exclusive experience including VIP parking, a private entrance, premium club seating, and complimentary food and soft drinks. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com
Rupp Arena’s new VIP Club has a capacity of 400.
Rupp Arena’s new VIP Club has a capacity of 400. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com

What’s in the Rupp Arena VIP tickets?

Included in the package:

  • Parking on level 2 of the new Central Bank Center parking garage
  • Private entrance, lobby and coat check
  • Seats in sections 13, 14, 31 or 32
  • Complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages (cash bar available)
  • Private restrooms
Rick Hilbert, of Wilmore, reaches for a cheeseburger slider and a cookie with Jim Gaffigan’s face on it In the new VIP Club at Rupp Arena Aug. 18, 2021.
Rick Hilbert, of Wilmore, reaches for a cheeseburger slider and a cookie with Jim Gaffigan’s face on it In the new VIP Club at Rupp Arena Aug. 18, 2021. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com
Joe Mullins, of Lexington, Ky., pours a ladle of gravy over a plate of wedge fries and bourbon braised short ribs In the new VIP Club at Rupp Arena Aug. 18, 2021.
Joe Mullins, of Lexington, Ky., pours a ladle of gravy over a plate of wedge fries and bourbon braised short ribs In the new VIP Club at Rupp Arena Aug. 18, 2021. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com

“This is brand new for Rupp Arena. We’ve never had the space to really host anything like this before,” Rupp Arena Premium Seating and Group Sales Manager Jana Hatton said. “It’s just a VIP experience for people who love live entertainment.”

Catering is from Kentucky Hardwood & Oak and they come up with a special cocktail for each show. For Jim Gaffigan’s “The Fun Tour,” they served the Great Gaffigan, a Bloody Mary with garnishes of shrimp, bacon, celery, pickles, olives, tomatoes, meats and cheeses.

Specialty drinks will be made for each show in the new VIP Club at Rupp Arena. Wednesday’s drink was “The Great Gaffigan” a Bloody Mary made garnished with shrimp, bacon, celery, pickles, olives, tomatoes, and meats and cheeses.
Specialty drinks will be made for each show in the new VIP Club at Rupp Arena. Wednesday’s drink was “The Great Gaffigan” a Bloody Mary made garnished with shrimp, bacon, celery, pickles, olives, tomatoes, and meats and cheeses. Alex Slitz aslitz@herald-leader.com

Prices to get into the VIP room are scaled depending on the event. Upcoming shows include Backstreet Boys (Sept. 6), Eric Church (Sept. 17) and Jason Aldean (Oct. 23). Want to buy seats in the club? Call (859) 551-3069.

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This story was originally published August 20, 2021 at 6:00 AM.

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