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It’s the dawn of a new era for Rupp Arena at the Central Bank Center. A lot has changed recently — from cosmetic renovations down to the food being served.
So let’s dig into what Rupp’s cookin’ up.
The classics
Rupp Arena has five different food partners you’ll be able to choose from:
- Taylor Bell (yes, soft serve ice cream will still be served)
- Hunt Brothers Pizza
- City Barbecue
- Chick-fil-A
- Skyline Chili
What’s new
There are two additional partnerships that we are particularly excited about: Kroger + Hardwood & Oak Hospitality.
Kroger has partnered with Rupp Arena and installed the Kroger Corner.
- Details: This is a new grocery-style shopping experience inside the arena — think quick convenient shopping.
- What we like: The market will feature healthy, interchangeable items that will change based on that night’s performance.
- Example: For kids’ shows, the grocery will be stocked with healthy, fun snack items. Salads, sandwiches, and even grab-and-go sushi will be available for adult concerts.
Hardwood & Oak Hospitality is also on board as Rupp’s exclusive caterer.
- Details: This ain’t your average concert food — no chicken fingers here. The menu was created by Senior Executive Chef Chris Ross, a proud Kentuckian and UK basketball fan.
- Quote: “I try to think of it as made-from-scratch cooking for 20,000 people. Kentuckians spend their hard-earned money here, and we try to think about each individual person,” said Chris.
- What we tried: Braised short rib nachos + buffalo mac n’ cheese.
- Need to know: The jalapenos and onions that are served on the nachos are pickled in-house with Kentucky Bourbon. And the beef short rib is braised just like an old-fashioned pot roast.
