Lexington Center CEO provides update on Rupp Arena renovations

The coronavirus pandemic has halted or significantly limited almost all sporting activities: games, practices, bar room “discussions” … even recruiting.

But the upgrades to Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center continue on schedule.

“The virus crisis has not yet slowed work on the expansion project,” Lexington Center CEO Bill Owen wrote in an email message. “I hope it will not. We are on track for total completion in early 2022.”

No shutdowns are expected other than those planned for such things as utility or building systems conversion. “These are typically well executed and performed over just a few hours,” Owen wrote.

Other than some modifications to exterior walls on the concourses, work inside Rupp Arena itself should be completed on schedule, Owen wrote.

Expansion of two concourses and an upgrade of the lobby connecting the civic center to the Hyatt Hotel are scheduled to begin late this year, Owen wrote.

Three new party rooms on the west side of Rupp will be ready for the 2020-21 season, he wrote. Work on a fourth party room, which is planned for the food court area, is not expected to be completed until the 2021-22 season.

This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 12:56 PM.