Who We Are
Dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and hosting sports events throughout Central Kentucky.
Creating Tourism, Community, and economic Impact
The Bluegrass Sports Commission fuels economic growth in the Bluegrass region. This is done via recruitment and management of world-class sports events in Central Kentucky. We partner with schools, clubs, national governing bodies, and professional organizations to create experiences that generate economic development, inspire participation, and celebrate the power of sport. We manage , support, and amplify your event so you can focus on what matters most: delivering a great experience for athletes and fans.
BSC has proudly served as the host organization for signature events such as the Dick’s Sporting Goods Bluegrass State Games, one of Kentucky’s longest-running amateur sporting traditions, as well as community-focused events like A Midsummer Night’s Run, which brings thousands of runners and walkers into downtown Lexington each summer. In addition, the Commission has supported youth tournaments, collegiate competitions, national championships, and professional exhibitions across multiple sports.
Through these events, the Bluegrass Sports Commission helps generate tourism, hotel room nights, and local spending, while also expanding athletic opportunities, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and showcasing Central Kentucky as a premier destination for sports and events.
Past Events That Made an Impact
Dick’s Sporting Goods Bluegrass State Games – the signature amateur multi-sport event held annually in Central Kentucky since 1985.
A Midsummer Night’s Run – a popular downtown Lexington running and walking event that attracts more than 2,500 participants annually.
UK/UofL Basketball Game MVP Award – BSC names the MVP for the annual University of Kentucky vs University of Louisville basketball game.
PGA's Barbasol Championship – BSC brought the region’s first annual PGA event to Lexington in 2018, where it was hosted annually through 2025.
The Basketball Tournament – BSC hosted a 2018 regional of the annual summer basketball tournament that features alumni teams competing for a $1 million prize and airs on ESPN.
NBA Preseason Games - BSC assisted with bringing NBA preseason games to the region multiple times(New Orleans Pelicans vs Sacramento Kings and Sacramento Kings vs Washington Wizards).
National Youth Basketball Tournaments – BSC has helped support various national youth basketball events in the Lexington area.
Staff & Board ofFICERS
Chief Operating Officer
Kyle Childers
Bluegrass Sports Commission
Board Chair
Phil Holoubek
Lexington's Real Estate Company
Vice Chair
Kris Zander
Kentucky Youth Soccer Association
Secretary
Brigid DeVries
KHSAA (Retired)
Board Members
Kim Shelton - JMI Sports
Butch Cope - KHSAA
Joe Fields - Central Bank Center
Rick Ford - Brainbox Intelligent Marketing
Vince Gabbert - Lexington Sporting Club
Gene Guinn - MG Coaching and Consulting
Tom Harris - University of Kentucky
Ken Jackson - Kentuckiana Farms
Cindy Jacobelli - Easter Seals Cardinal Hills
Brian Lane - Transylvania University
Dan Metzger - TOBA
Bob Quick - Commerce Lexington
Jake Michul - Dentons
Tim Feld - Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance (KEMI)
Anthony Wright - Trane Technologies