WWE
Lexington

What Is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

SmackDown is one of WWE’s two flagship weekly shows, airing live every Friday at 8:00 PM ET on the USA Network. The blue brand has its own exclusive roster and championships, including the Undisputed WWE Championship and the WWE Women’s Championship. Known for compelling long-form storytelling—particularly the saga of The Bloodline—SmackDown delivers a mix of intense matches, dramatic confrontations, and surprises that keep fans on the edge of their seats each week. The show regularly draws millions of viewers and has become appointment viewing for the WWE Universe every Friday night.

Post-WrestleMania 42 Action Comes to Lexington

WrestleMania 42 takes place on April 18–19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The event features marquee matchups including CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship and Liv Morgan challenging Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship. By the time SmackDown hits Rupp Arena on May 22, the reverberations from The Showcase of the Immortals will be in full effect. New champions may be defending for the first time, betrayed alliances may be seeking revenge, and fresh contenders will be staking their claims. The post-WrestleMania period through Money in the Bank is historically one of the most exciting stretches on the WWE calendar.

About Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center

Rupp Arena opened in 1976 as the centerpiece of what was then known as the Lexington Center. At its opening, it was the world’s largest indoor arena, originally holding 24,000 fans. A major $310 million renovation project modernized the entire Central Bank Center campus, with Rupp Arena receiving new chairback seating in the upper bowl, an expanded concourse with natural light, state-of-the-art Daktronics center-hung video boards, and premium club areas. The renovation reduced the official capacity to 20,500 while significantly upgrading the fan experience.

The arena has seen UK basketball teams win four national championships at home, hosted the 1985 NCAA Final Four, and regularly attracts some of the largest crowds in college basketball history. Beyond basketball, Rupp Arena has hosted the Kentucky High School Sweet Sixteen tournament, NBA exhibitions, SEC Tournaments, and major concerts ranging from Lawrence Welk’s inaugural performance in 1976 to today’s biggest touring acts. The venue’s downtown Lexington location puts it within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife along the city’s vibrant Main Street corridor.

How to Buy WWE Lexington Tickets on BigStub

1. Browse the event listings above. Use the interactive seating chart to explore available sections at Rupp Arena. Filter by price, section, or number of tickets to find the best fit.
2. Select your seats. All tickets on BigStub come from verified sellers with authentic, guaranteed-valid tickets. Every listed price is all-inclusive—there are no hidden fees added at checkout.
3. Complete your secure purchase. BigStub’s checkout is backed by full buyer protection, ensuring your tickets are valid and will arrive before the event.
4. Receive and enjoy. Tickets are delivered via electronic transfer, mobile, or email—and then you’re all set for an incredible night of SmackDown at Rupp Arena.

Getting to Rupp Arena in Downtown Lexington

Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center is located at 430 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507, in the heart of downtown. The venue is directly accessible from major highways including I-75 and I-64. Multiple parking garages and surface lots surround the Central Bank Center complex, and parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For fans using public transportation, bus routes serve stops within a block of the arena, including the Main at Jefferson stop. Rideshare drop-off is available at the curb cut on Main Street in front of the Central Bank Center. Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Lexington.

Frequently Asked Questions About WWE SmackDown in Lexington

When is WWE SmackDown coming to Lexington in 2026?

WWE Friday Night SmackDown is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky. This was officially announced by WWE on February 26, 2026.

Where is Rupp Arena located?

Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center is located at 430 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507, in downtown Lexington. It is part of the larger Central Bank Center complex and is connected to the Hyatt Regency and Hilton hotels.

How many people can Rupp Arena hold for WWE events?

Rupp Arena has an official capacity of 20,500 following its recent renovation. For WWE wrestling events, the layout includes floor seating around the ring, lower bowl theater-style seats, and upper bowl chairback seating, providing excellent sightlines from every level.

When do tickets go on sale for WWE SmackDown in Lexington?

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time through Ticketmaster. A presale begins Thursday, March 5 at 10:00 AM local. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub with competitive, all-inclusive pricing.

Which Superstars appear on WWE SmackDown?

The SmackDown roster in 2026 includes Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Bayley, Kevin Owens, and many more top-tier competitors. Specific match cards for each weekly episode are typically announced closer to the event date.

Is this a post-WrestleMania event?

Yes. WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18–19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Lexington SmackDown on May 22 falls during the post-WrestleMania period, which is historically one of the most exciting and unpredictable times on the WWE calendar.

What channel does SmackDown air on?

WWE Friday Night SmackDown airs live on the USA Network every Friday at 8:00 PM ET. Fans at Rupp Arena will experience the show live as it broadcasts nationwide, including all televised matches and segments.

Is BigStub an official WWE ticket seller?

No. BigStub is an independent resale marketplace not affiliated with WWE. BigStub connects fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices with all-inclusive pricing and full buyer protection on every transaction.

Is there parking near Rupp Arena?

Yes. Multiple parking garages and surface lots are available throughout downtown Lexington near the Central Bank Center. Parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and prices vary by lot. Arriving early is recommended for the best parking options.

What are the food and beverage options at Rupp Arena?

Rupp Arena’s expanded concourse features a variety of concession stands offering classic arena fare along with local and regional food options. Premium club areas are available for fans with club-level tickets, offering enhanced dining and beverage service in an upscale setting.

Is Rupp Arena the same venue where UK basketball plays?

Yes. Rupp Arena is the home court of the University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. Named after legendary coach Adolph Rupp, the arena opened in 1976 and has been a Lexington landmark ever since.

What time should I arrive for SmackDown at Rupp Arena?

Doors typically open 60 to 90 minutes before event time. For a 7:30 PM start, plan to arrive by 6:00 PM or earlier. This allows time for parking, navigating security, and settling into your seats. Pre-show dark matches may begin before the televised broadcast, giving early arrivals additional entertainment.

Are there hotels within walking distance of Rupp Arena?

Yes. The Hyatt Regency Lexington and the Hilton Lexington Downtown are both connected to or adjacent to the Central Bank Center complex. Several additional hotels and restaurants are within walking distance in downtown Lexington, making it convenient for fans traveling from out of town.