By Vinny Hardy

Central Bank has been a financial fixture in the Commonwealth since 1938. There aren’t any branches in southeastern Kentucky where I grew up, yet I’ve been familiar with them and the services they provide for as long as I can remember.

There were always commercials on the radio or on TV during UK games. No matter which one of the coaches shows you tuned in to, that particular coach’s Central Bank commercial would always air at some point during the episode. I’ve had the privilege of being able to cover Kentucky football games for the past few years. That means taking in the game from the, you guessed it, Central Bank Press Box.

And, of course, we see the logo as part of the backdrop of every media session.

Picture by Vinny Hardy

Today the announcement was made that their influence was going to become even more prominent and noticeable in and around Lexington, Rupp Arena to be exact.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Lexington Center Corp today announced a landmark naming rights agreement with @CentralBankKY, rebranding Central KY’s premier convention, meeting, sports and entertainment complex as @CentralBankCntr. @Rupp_Arena will be Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. pic.twitter.com/EvgZdOgS7O — Central Bank Center (@CentralBankCntr) January 16, 2020

This naming rights news is unique because it doesn’t require the mental browbeating to attempt to make yourself call the venue by its new name (i.e. Commonwealth Stadium to Kroger Field).

RE: The new name for Rupp Arena, I’m told the “at Central Bank Center” is silent. So carry on. Nothing to see here. — Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) January 16, 2020

Being able to continue to call it Rupp Arena is good news. For me personally, as an Atlanta Braves fan, I can go back to focusing on one venue name change at a time.

As a #Braves fan I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that the newly built Sun Trust Park is now @TruistPark. The chances of me transitioning from @Rupp_Arena to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center (even if the addition is silent) . . . 😨😳 #BBN #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/fT5ncjiOqo — Vinny Hardy (@VinnyHardy) January 16, 2020

Of course I’m kidding. Congrats to Central Bank, Rupp Arena, UK Athletics and everyone involved in the partnership.



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