BUS INFO

arial view of the loading dock at Rupp Arena which is the location for STLP State Bus Drop Off/Pick Up

Bus drop off via the loading dock allows project teams to offload directly outside of the Exhibit Hall and close to their tables.

Bus Zone Instructions

Buses At Central Bank Center

Working together, we can all contribute to the Bus Zone running quickly, smoothly, and safely. Follow these instructions to arrive at the correct location for optimal morning drop off.

Buses will only be permitted to enter the Bus Zone to drop off students using S. Jefferson St. via W. High Street.  Click here to plug in your location to get directions to the bus entrance

Consider alternative routes to alleviate traffic and shorten your wait time.

UPDATED: Morning Drop Off

Bus drop off students as early as 8:00 am Eastern 

Lexington PD will deploy their mobile command unit and manage the flow of traffic during the morning arrival window. Please follow all instructions from LexPD officers... even if those instructions differ from ones provided here. LexPD are the experts at traffic management during huge events in downtown Lexington and STLP is thankful for the opportunity to have their support.

Buses will only be permitted to enter the Bus Zone to drop off students on S. Jefferson St. via W. High Street. Central Bank Center and Lexington PD will direct buses. Students will unload and enter Loading Docks A and K to go directly into the Exhibit Hall.

students smile while sitting in school bus seats

Bus Parking

Due to a major construction project behind Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena, the normal location for parking buses on site is not available in 2024. Therefore, all buses are free to locate alternative off-site parking locations.

Help! Our Driver Is Also Our Coach/Judge!

Many educators took on the responsibility of covering bus routes in their home district in recent year. More teachers with their CDL also means more STLP Coaches are doing double duty to get teams to State: Coach + Judge + Bus Driver. That makes parking the bus away from Rupp a real problem. 

NEW! Central Bank Center, along with the W. High Street Parking ownership, have arranged for a limited number of bus parking spaces in the lot across from Central Bank Center. (See Morning Traffic Map for directions). NOTE: These spaces are first come, first serve and the parking rate will be twice the amount charged for cars/passenger vans (since a bus takes more space). 

All parking fees are due upon exit and require debit/credit card (parking lot does not accept cash). As always, the W. High Street Parking Lot is not the only option in downtown Lexington. Feel free to utilize  to locate alternative lots that may accomodate a school bus.

two girls smiling from their shared school bus seat

Evening Bus Pick Up

State ends after Award Show (approx. 6pm Eastern) 

Buses should queue ahead of the parking loop area (loading dock) and await their turn to enter the Bus Zone. Students will exit Central Bank Center via the same loading dock ramps used for drop off. 

Schools are also welcome to plan for an alternative pick up location around CBC with their driver.

Thank You!

Student transportation makes STLP State possible!

With as many as 400 buses set to transport students from all over Kentucky, we know that navigating the Bus Zone processes can be stressful. Thank you to all the bus drivers who help safely transport our STLP students to and from our event. We'll continue to do our best to make the process easy to follow and running as smoothly as we can. 

Drive safely!