Rupp Arena souvenir cup sales to benefit Markey Cancer Center
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2024) — Beginning this basketball season, University of Kentucky fans can support cancer research and treatment while cheering on the Wildcats at Rupp Arena thanks to a new philanthropic initiative.
A portion of proceeds from every 32-ounce souvenir cup sold at Central Bank Center events — including UK Men’s Basketball games, concerts and other entertainment events — will directly benefit the UK Markey Cancer Center.
The three-year partnership between UK, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena and Cross Over Marketing is expected to generate $40,000-50,000 annually in unrestricted support for Kentucky’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Proceeds will support Markey’s comprehensive cancer care services, which include cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials and support services for patients throughout Kentucky and beyond.
“This partnership allows our community to join the fight against cancer while enjoying events at Central Bank Center,” said B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of UK’s Markey Cancer Center. “Every cup purchased represents hope for our patients and support for our mission to reduce Kentucky’s cancer burden. Proceeds will help us continue pushing boundaries in cancer research and treatment — and bring us closer to reaching our ultimate goal of conquering cancer in the Commonwealth.”
Fans can participate by purchasing their favorite nonalcoholic beverages in the special 32-ounce souvenir cups, which will be available at Rupp Arena events through June 2027. Additionally, cup purchasers can scan a QR code on the cup to enter a sweepstakes featuring prizes including a VIP trip to a 2025 UK Men’s Basketball SEC Conference away game, a Myrtle Beach vacation package and UK athletics merchandise.
For more information about the Rupp Cup program, to enter the sweepstakes, or to read the complete contest rules and regulations, visit https://ukmarkeyruppcup.com/
UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.