Lexington, Ky - G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc. of Cincinnati has signed a multi-year partnership agreement to become the official beverage provider with the Lexington Center Corporation, which includes Rupp Arena, the Lexington Convention Center, the Shops at Lexington Center, the Lexington Opera House and Triangle Park.
The agreement was announced jointly by Bill Owen, President and CEO of the Lexington Center, Lori Wagoner, G&J Corporate Vice President On-Premise Sales, and John Dougherty, Vice President and General Manager of G&J’s South Division.
According to Owen, “For the first time in 37 years, beginning January 2, Pepsi products will be served at all concession stands in Rupp Arena, Opera House and Convention Center events. We’re looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with G&J.
The decision means Pepsi will replace Coca-Cola which had been the Lexington Center’s beverage vendor since the facility opened in 1976.
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist and Aquafina will replace Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Dasani Water. Dr. Pepper will now be served in addition to the other brands at the concession stands on the East and West Concourses and Ale 8 (which is not a Pepsi product) will be available at main stands on the North and West concourses.
Mountain Dew, Diet Dew and Diet Dr. Pepper will also be available at various locations.
“Our decision to change beverage providers was based on economic and marketing support for our events and venues, as well as such a wide and more popular selection of refreshment products. This will make Pepsi and the Lexington Center into a powerful partnership.”
Wagoner echoed these words. “Rupp Arena, the Lexington Convention Center and Opera House have made the choice of Pepsi-Cola products as the beverage provider for these world-class facilities. The partnership proves that our products fit in best with the culture of Kentucky, great sports fans and the attendees to these venues in the heart of the Bluegrass State. Pepsi brands, as the number one choice in Kentucky, will prove to be the optimal partner for the Lexington Center facilities.”
Pepsi General Manager John Dougherty expressed his excitement over the decision. “Fan experience is what everyone is looking for now, and with Pepsi-Cola brands and their national ties to sports and music, we will be providing not only the number one beverage, but also added excitement and enhancement of the fan experience with promotional and marketing activity throughout Central Kentucky.”
G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc. employs more than 1,500 people at 12 locations in Ohio and Kentucky, including production facilities in Lexington and Winchester, Kentucky, and in Columbus and Portsmouth, Ohio. G&J has distribution centers in Hamilton, Ripley, Hillsboro, Athens, Chillicothe, Cheshire and Zanesville, Ohio, and in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
The South Division of G&J, located at 559 S. Forbes Road, Lexington, Ky., produces, sells and/or distributes Pepsi-Cola, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Pepsi Next, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Mug Root Beer, Dr Pepper, Crush, Tropicana Fruit Beverages, Amp and Rock Star energy products, Starbucks Frappuccino and iced beverages, Lipton Teas, Dole Fruit Juices, Aquafina Water products, SoBe energy beverages, Gatorade and Muscle Milk products.