Host - Vanderbilt University Athletics, Performance Dining

Standardizing for scale: Cisco and Oak View Group's new strategic partnership. September 28, 2026 3 min listen I've spent my career in stadiums and arenas. While I've got a long way to go to visit all 530+ Cisco-powered venues worldwide, I'm chipping away at the list - and I'm thrilled to add some incredible stops thanks to Cisco's new strategic partnership with Oak View Group (OVG). OVG is one of the world's powerhouses in live entertainment - and a longtime Cisco customer. But today marks a fundamental inflection point in its relationship. By tapping Cisco as their Official Technology Partner, OVG isn't just choosing Cisco for individual venue technology - it's choosing Cisco as a critical partner that can help standardize and simplify how its venues operate. They're looking to build a scalable, AI-ready foundation that grows with their network - and Cisco is the right partner for the job. Today, Cisco Systems, Inc is already powering marquee OVG venues like Climate Pledge Arena, UBS Arena, and CFG Bank Arena, with more coming online soon. Climate Pledge Arena is the perfect example of what happens when you unify networking, security, and IPTV into one end-to-end stack. It's no longer just a venue; it becomes a living, breathing digital ecosystem. The big takeaway? OVG isn't just looking for a vendor; they're choosing a strategic partner that can handle their diverse needs across every market, venue type and use case. That's where Cisco shines. With AI all around Cisco Systems, Inc, Cisco Systems, Inc has moved beyond simple connectivity into the era of intelligent infrastructure. AI is no longer a "future" concept - it's here, helping operators manage crowds, cut energy costs, and personalize the fan experience in real-time. I'm looking forward to diving into this at the upcoming Venues Now Conference, where I'll be joining the panel, "Integrating AI Into Your Venue," to discuss how data and machine learning are creating smarter, safer, and more responsive spaces. If you're in Seattle, swing by the session. I'd love to chat about how its partnership with OVG is driving real results for their business - and for the millions of fans walking through the doors of their venues every year. As Cisco Systems, Inc continue to work alongside innovators like OVG, its mission remains clear: provide the secure, reliable foundation that lets artists, athletes, and teams connect with their fans on a deeper level. I hope to see many of you at Venues Now as explore how the next chapter of live entertainment will be written. Let's build the future together.

Rupp Arena, Central Bank Center names new leader. Why it's historic. Updated September 18, 2026 12:30 PM Gift Article Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by its newsroom. Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena has a new leader. Oak View Group, which has a contract to run Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena and Lexington Opera House, has named Laura Alexander, the former assistant general manager, as the new vice president of operations or general manager of the downtown venue. The decision was made in collaboration with the Lexington Center Corporation, a public body that oversees Central Bank Center and the Opera House. Alexander will become the first female and only the fourth person to serve as the top executive overseeing Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena, following Tom Minton, Bill Owens and Brian Sipe. Alexander will oversee all venue operations, including event management, sales and marketing, facility operations, guest experience, financial performance and booking activity across all venues, as well as national touring acts at Gatton Park on the Town Branch, according to Oak View Group. In her prior role, Alexander helped guide the revamped and expanded convention center and Rupp Arena after renovations were completed in 2021. "Laura has been instrumental in helping guide Central Bank Center through one of the most transformative periods in our organization's history," said Phil Maxson, president of the Lexington Center Corp. board. "Her commitment to operational excellence, team culture and community partnership has contributed significantly to the success of our venues and the economic impact they generate for Lexington and the Commonwealth." Prior to working for Oak View Group, Alexander worked in venue management in Owensboro. "I'm incredibly honored by this opportunity and grateful for the mentors, colleagues and team members who have supported me throughout my career," Alexander said. " From my years in Owensboro to helping open the newly expanded Central Bank Center, I've been fortunate to be part of projects that positively impact our Kentucky communities. What we've accomplished in Lexington has been the result of an outstanding team effort, and I look forward to continuing to grow our venues, attract new events and create exceptional experiences for our guests, clients and community." Alexander will begin in her new position Oct. 3. This story was originally published September 18, 2026 at 10:34 AM. Lexington Herald-Leader Beth Musgrave has covered government and politics for the Herald-Leader for more than a decade. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has worked as a reporter in Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois and Washington D.C. Support my work with a digital subscription

Alexander named first woman to lead Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena. September 17, 2026 LEXINGTON, Ky. - Laura Alexander has been promoted to vice president of Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, Lexington Opera House and the Oak View Group Concert Series at Gatton Park, effective Oct. 3. Alexander will become the first woman and the fourth person to serve as the top executive overseeing Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena. She follows Tom Minton, William Owens and Brian Sipe. Currently assistant general manager, Alexander will succeed Sipe and oversee event management, sales and marketing, facility operations, guest experience, financial performance and booking across the Lexington venue campus. Her responsibilities also will include national touring performances at Gatton Park on the Town Branch. "Laura is an accomplished and respected leader whose operational expertise, collaborative approach and deep understanding of the live events industry have made a significant impact throughout her career," said Greg O'Dell, president of venue management for Oak View Group. "Her experience, leadership and commitment to the community make her well prepared to take on this important role." Alexander moved to Lexington in February 2022 to help open and operate the expanded and renovated Central Bank Center. Since then, she has helped establish the convention center's operational framework and guide the venue campus through growth in conventions, entertainment programming, client satisfaction and community engagement. She has worked with clients, tourism organizations, community stakeholders and the Lexington Center Corp. board to position the campus as a destination for conventions, sporting events, entertainment and community gatherings. "Laura has been instrumental in helping guide Central Bank Center through one of the most transformative periods in our organization's history," said Phil Maxson, chair of the Lexington Center Corp. board. "Her commitment to operational excellence, team culture and community partnership has contributed significantly to the success of our venues and the economic impact they generate for Lexington and the commonwealth." Before joining Oak View Group in Lexington, Alexander worked in venue management in Owensboro, gaining experience in convention center operations, event management and community engagement. "I'm incredibly honored by this opportunity and grateful for the mentors, colleagues and team members who have supported me throughout my career," Alexander said. "What we've accomplished in Lexington has been the result of an outstanding team effort, and I look forward to continuing to grow our venues, attract new events and create exceptional experiences for our guests, clients and community." Alexander is a graduate of the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Management School. She earned the Certified Venue Executive designation in August, the association's highest individual professional certification. In her new position, Alexander will focus on growing convention and entertainment business, enhancing guest experiences, strengthening community partnerships and overseeing operations at Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, Lexington Opera House and the concert series at Gatton Park. About Lexington Center Corporation Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the Lexington Center Corporation (LCC) is a not-for-profit 501c3 corporate agency of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. It was established in 1974 to manage and maintain Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Central Bank Center (formerly Lexington Convention Center), Triangle Park, and the Lexington Opera House. One of the nation's most storied entertainment destinations, Central Bank Center venues collectively welcome an average of 1.3 million patrons annually. The Central Bank Center holds more than 200 meetings, trade shows, and special events annually. It has undergone a transformative $310 million expansion, featuring a dramatic, light-filled architectural design that offers more than 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting & event space. For more information, visit www.centralbankcenter.com. About the Oak View Group Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the Company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.