This general schedule can be used as an overview of the activities at #STLP26. More detailed, minute-by-minute schedules with locations for each event will be posted closer to the State Championship.

Central Bank Center - April 24, 2026 - Lexington, KY
(All Times EST)

• 8:00 am - Doors Open for Judges

• 8:30 am - Buses Begin Arriving 

• 9:00 am - Doors Open For Teams/Project Set-up 

• 9:00 am - Level 2 Project Judge Training

• 9:00 am - STLPx Experience Areas open to students

• 10:00 am - Project Judging Begins/ Challenges Begin

• 11:00 am - Digital Product Finalists Announced

• 12:00 pm - Level 3 Advancing Projects Announced

• 12:00 pm - Level 3 Project Judging begins

• 1:00 pm - Digital Product Awards: Live from Rupp 

• 2:00 pm - Level 3 Project Judging concludes

  1. • 3:00 pm - KET News Quiz w/ Kelsey Starks LIVE

• 3:00 pm - STLPx Experiences close/Challenges Wrap Up

• 3:00 pm - Pre-Awards Festivities in Rupp Arena

• 4:00 pm - Project & Challenge Awards: Rupp Arena

• 6:00 pm - Safe Travels Home!

About Travel and STLP State

STLP recognizes the challenges faced with schools traveling extended distances. To help accomodate those coming from a distance:

• Morning schedule has been adjusted to push back to the latest possible start time still allowing for all events to have ample time for competition and judging. 

• Afternoon Award Show starts earlier to end earlier than ever before. Plan with your transportation department now to set the expectation of attending the entire day, including the Awards Show.

Thank you advance for all the additional efforts that will go towards securing travel for students!

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time 

• Don't find yourself an hour behind the schedule by mistake.

• Plan now by adjusting everything to match Eastern Standard Time (the local time for the #STLP26 location)

Plan to Stay For Awards Shows

Work now to set the expectation that your STLP remain at #STLP26 through the conclusion of the afternoon award show. Show students you believe in them by creating the expectation that they will need to be on hand to receive awards. 

Traffic Is A Major Factor

Although STLP & Central Bank Center works with local Lexington Police Traffic Enforcement to alleviate traffic congestion, the typical morning commuter traffic can compound the 100s of school buses converging on Rupp Arena. Allot extra time for arrival.

Access Bus Info and Parking Info