HomeGreener Events, Greener Future: Rupp Arena Joins GOAL to Advance Sustainability Efforts

Greener Events, Greener Future: Rupp Arena Joins GOAL to Advance Sustainability Efforts

Oct 3, 2025

Lexington, KY (September 23, 2025) – Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, proudly managed by Oak View Group, has announced that it has joined GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership), a sustainability-driven membership network for sports, entertainment, and live event venues. This step further reinforces Rupp Arena’s commitment to advancing environmental responsibility and building a sustainable future for live entertainment.

GOAL provides venues with powerful tools to track, measure, and accelerate sustainable efforts. Utilizing Salesforce Net Zero Cloud for carbon accounting and visualization, the network supports venues with sustainable energy, environmental data analysis, and action planning. Membership also connects Rupp Arena with more than 40 venues across the United States, Canada, and the UK, fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the industry.  

“Environmental and social sustainability is a lifelong commitment, and joining GOAL is the next step in our journey,” said Brian Sipe, General Manager. "As the first arena in Kentucky to join this movement, we're proud to set the standard for sustainable practices in our state. While we've already made significant progress, we recognize that we're stronger as an industry when we share resources and collaborate to do better for our planet."

Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center have already taken significant steps to reduce their environmental footprint, including:

  • Energy Efficiency: Transitioning to LED lighting throughout the complex and investing in upgraded HVAC systems to significantly reduce overall energy consumption.

  • Waste Reduction: Implementing back-of-house and front-of-house recycling programs to divert waste from landfills.

  • Water Conservation: Installing low-flow fixtures across the facility to minimize water use.

  • Local Impact: Partnering with Lexington-based and regional vendors to prioritize local sourcing and reduce transportation-related emissions.

  • Aluminum Cups: Introducing recyclable aluminum cups throughout the arena as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, giving fans an eco-friendly option.

  • First-Ever Green Basketball Game: In partnership with the University of Kentucky, JMI Sports, and Coca-Cola, Rupp Arena hosted the first Zero-Waste Kentucky Men’s basketball game. The initiative focused on recycling and fan education to divert waste from landfills.

By joining GOAL, Rupp Arena will gain access to additional tools, resources, and a powerful network to help accelerate progress toward reducing its carbon footprint and achieving long-term sustainability goals.