LEXINGTON, Ky. — How hot is Lexington, KY, for live entertainment and events?
OVG360, which manages and operates Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, and Lexington Opera House, recently announced three blockbuster shows, including Dave Chappelle, Tyler Childers (sold out two consecutive nights) and Tim McGraw, to go along with the already announced concert lineup that also features The Eagles with Steely Dan, Parker McCollum, Guns N’ Roses, the Jonas Brothers, Jelly Roll, and more.
According to Pollstar Magazine, Rupp Arena currently ranks 15th in the U.S. and third in the South for tickets sold (exclusive of sporting events).
“We are thrilled with OVG360 as they continue to bring world-class events and shows to Lexington,” said VisitLEX’s Director of Communications, Martina Barksdale. “OVG360 has a proven track record of success in developing and managing premier entertainment venues, and we are confident that they will help us further to position Lexington as a great destination for live entertainment. We at VisitLEX have had the fortunate opportunity of hosting and supporting events at the Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, and the Opera House, and we continue to be impressed by the amazing service and hospitality provided by the OVG360 staff. We look forward to continuing working with OVG360 to bring even more exciting events to Lexington in the coming years. So, when locals and travelers are looking for great entertainment, they look at Lexington.”
At the neighboring Lexington Opera House, the calendar is jammed pack with star-studded entertainers, including Daughtry, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Henry Rollins, Brothers Osborne, Trae Crowder, George Thorogood, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, One Night of Queen, and many others.
The Lexington Opera House showcases the best performing local arts, Broadway Live, and was recently featured in two live comedy tapings in 2022. The Opera House is set to beat their show record in 2023 compared to 2022 as they continue to book national tours.
“Our calendar continues to fill up with many of the top entertainers across all genres this year,” said OVG360’s Brian Sipe, General Manager, Central Bank Center. “Lexington continues to prove to be a viable live music and entertainment market. We’re excited about what’s ahead here at Central Bank Center and thank the artists, promoters, agents, and fans for supporting live entertainment here in the entertainment capital of Kentucky.”
Central Bank Center continues to utilize its newly renovated 200,000 square foot space to host first-time events such as the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference, which gathers over 2000 students nationwide. Other highlighted events that recently brought large crowds to Lexington include the National Beta Convention, which had an attendance of 7,000 guests over one week. The Lexington Pride Festival in June held its first indoor event at Central Bank Center and saw over 19,000 guests in one weekend.
“Through the support of the community, the mayor, the Central Bank Center staff and the City Council, the commitment to have our facilities bring new entertainment, sports, and convention business to Lexington and the area is being realized,” Karen Hill, Lexington Convention Center Board Chairperson.
Lexington Opera House Upcoming Events
- August 26, 2023 – Karlous Miller
- August 27, 2023 – One Night of Queen
- August 30, 2023 – Daughtry
- September 6, 2023 – Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza
- September 7, 2023 – The Robert Cray Band
- September 8, 2023 – Old Gods of Appalachia
- September 9, 2023 – Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers
- September 10, 2023 – Nimesh Patel
- September 12, 2023 – Seniors Got Talent
- September 13, 2023 – Andy Summers
- September 14, 2023 – Nitty Gritty Dirty Band
- September 16, 2023 – Henry Rollins
- September 20, 2023 – Brothers Osborne
- September 21, 2023 – Tim Dillon
- September 22, 2023 – Chico Bean
- September 23, 2023 – Black Jacket Symphony Presents Saturday Night Fever
- September 27, 2023 – Goblin performing Dario Argento’s Demons
- September 28, 2023 – Kevin James
- September 29, 2023 – Trae Crowder
- September 30, 2023 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
- October 9, 2023 – Van Freaks Roadshow
- October 11, 2023 – WUKY Presents Black Violin
- October 17, 2023 – The Fighters
- October 20 – 22, 2023 – Pretty Woman: The Musical
- October 29, 2023 – Darren Knight
- November 7, 2023 – George Thorogood and the Destroyers
- November 16-19, 2023 – Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical
- December 6, 2023 – The Fab Four
- January 6, 2024 – Concert With The Stars
- January 13, 2024 – Mania: The Abba Tribute
- January 26 – 28, 2024 – The Cher Show
- February 16 – 18, 2024 – Come From Away
- March 14 – 17, 2024 – Little Women
Rupp Arena Upcoming Events
- August 19, 2023 – AEW Collision
- August 26, 2023 – The Turn Up Jam Featuring: Jeezy, Boosie, Nardo Wick, Big Boogie & More
- August 27, 2023 – Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
- September 6, 2023 – Guns N’ Roses
- September 12, 2024 – Dave Chappelle
- September 15, 2023 – Parker McCollum
- September 26, 2023 – Jonas Brothers
- September 29, 2023 – A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
- October 6 – 7, 2023 – Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure
- October 10, 2023 – Jelly Roll
- October 14, 2023 – Kevin Gates
- October 17, 2023 – NeedToBreathe: The Caves World Tour
- October 29, 2023- The Price Is Right Live
- November 14, 2023 – The Eagles with Steely Dan
- December 30 – 31, 2023 – Tyler Childers
- June 15, 2024 – Tim McGraw: Standing Room Only Tour ‘24
