Travel Information

Lexington Bluegrass Airport, also known as LEX, is the primary airport serving the Lexington area in the commonwealth of Kentucky and the closest airport to our host hotel.

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Located among horse farms and situated directly across from Keeneland Race Course, Blue Grass Airport is the primary airport serving central and eastern Kentucky. More than 1.3 million passengers depart or arrive annually at Blue Grass Airport.

Blue Grass Airport offers non-stop flights to 18 destinations with convenient connecting service to business and leisure cities worldwide. Carriers that serve Lexington include: Allegiant, American, Delta and United Airlines

A number of airlines service Lexington Kentucky. We will be offering discounts on United and Delta Airlines.

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United Airlines: We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to the US Sports Congress. To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZQHW972602.  MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code. You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance.

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Delta Airlines: Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Sports Venue Forum/US Sports Congress.

Please click here to book your flights.

You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code  NM4FU.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation
800 number.

Lexington Bluegrass Airport (LEX) is just 6 miles from the Hilton Downtown Lexington. The hotel does provide shuttle service for our attendees from the airport to the hotel.

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Rental car service counters are located in the baggage claim area on the first level of the terminal. The airport’s spacious rental car facility provides a central pick-up and drop-off location for car rentals. Located directly next to the terminal, the rental car facility is covered so travelers are protected from inclement weather. For car reservations, please contact the rental car agencies directly.

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Rental car companies are open for all inbound and outbound flights beginning at 6 a.m. Please call the numbers below to reserve your vehicle. 

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• Alamo: 800-462-5266
• Avis: 800-331-1212
• Budget: 800-527-0700
• Dollar: 800-800-4000
• Enterprise: 800-736-8222
• Hertz: 800-704-4473
• National: 800-227-7368

Lyft and Uber provide pick-up and drop-off services at the terminal curbside. Follow signage to the designated Ride App Pick-Up area located between the terminal and rental car facility. Map

The host hotel for this years Sports Venue Forum will be the Hilton Downtown Lexington. 

Please note: All attendees are required to stay a the Hilton Downtown Lexington - our host hotel. 

The specially negotiated rate for the Sports Venue Forum is: $179.00/night plus tax (based on double occupancy). If you are arriving before Sunday (12/8) rooms are only available on a limited basis.  To make reservations please click the white button below or call the hotel.

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Hilton Downtown Lexington

Only a four minutes' walk from Rupp Arena and the Convention Center. 

There is a complimentary shuttle to Blue Grass Airport LEX. 

The hotel has a restaurant, café, and a bar.

From enjoying a race day at Keeneland and touring horse farms, to exploring the many fine distilleries of Bourbon Country, some of Lexington’s best activities involve horses or bourbon. However, when it comes to things to do here, that’s just scratching the surface. Lexington has become a regional hub known for its cuisine, shopping, and nightlife. Below are 13 things to do to make the most of your time in Lexington:

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1. Soak Up the Boozy History of the Distillery District

Once abandoned, this revitalized historic area is brimming with new businesses and entertainment. From the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, to the deliciously inventive and occasionally boozy Crank and Boom, there’s plenty of fun to partake in.

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2. Follow Your Tastebuds to Bourbon Country

Lexington is home to and near America’s top bourbon distilleries, including favorites like Woodford Reserve and Four Roses, and other newer, small distilleries in beautiful historic settings. They may all serve bourbon, but each has its own unique flavor and experience worth checking out for yourself.

3. Stir Things Up With Lexington’s Best Cocktails

Lexington’s thriving and diverse cocktail scene is only continuing to grow, with craft mixologists jumping at the chance to experiment with locally-made spirits. Modern cocktail bars like Ona, whose efforts have earned them national recognition, have ambitions that extend far beyond bourbon.

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4. Southern Favorites

Locals flock to spots like Ramsey’s for its hearty Southern fare and welcoming atmosphere. Windy Corner charms diners with its quaint countryside setting and delicious Southern comfort food, while MiMi's Southern Style Cooking is renowned for its authentic flavors and generous portions, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving traditional Southern cuisine in the area.

5. International Cuisine

Bourbon N’ Toulouse tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant Cajun and Creole flavors, transporting diners to the heart of New Orleans with each bite. Omakase offers an exquisite Japanese dining experience, where patrons can savor expertly crafted sushi and other traditional dishes in an intimate setting, while Corto Lima delights with its eclectic Latin-inspired dishes in a cozy space, creating a culinary journey that showcases the rich diversity of flavors from across the globe.

6. Enjoy Fresh, Farm-to-Table Dining

Lexington has something for everyone’s tastes, from down right delicious Southern fare to the freshest haute cuisine. Some local favorites include barbecue from County Club, and the indulgent flavors of Dudley’s on Short. Check out a full list of the best local Lexington restaurants here.  

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7. Place Your Bets at Keeneland Race Course

Keeneland Race Course is Lexington’s premier horse race course. Between the race day attire, Keeneland Breezes, and potential to win big, the memories you’ll make at Keeneland are ones you won’t soon forget.

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8. Trot on Over to the Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park is the perfect place for the whole family to learn about horses and this region’s rich equine history. This fun, all-inclusive destination includes guided horse and pony rides, museums, galleries, barn tours, and memorials to former champions.

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9. Get Up Close and Personal at a Horse Farm

Few things in life are as special as the bond between people and animals. When you visit one of Kentucky’s many horse farms, such as Mill Ridge Farm, you have the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the beautiful creatures which this city has become famous for. Check out Horse Country to make planning your horse farm visit easy.

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10. Step Back in Time at Shaker Village

You’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere as scenic as The Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill. This unique destination preserves the unique, pastoral way of life of Kentucky’s bygone Shaker community, and is home to beautiful historic buildings and active farmland.

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11. Listen to Live Music

The Burl, is home to tasty drinks, a retro arcade, and some of Lexington’s best live music. Lexington even has its very own live music festival, Railbird Festival, which celebrates some of the best songwriters, crooners, and musicians in Appalachia. With nearly 400 public events each year, the Singletary Center focuses on orchestra, band, choral, and jazz music but also presents dance, comedy, opera, and theatre performances, many of which are free.

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12. Tour Lexington’s Historic Houses and Neighborhoods

Lexington is a city with a long and rich history, and it’s easy to learn all about it with our historical houses such as the childhood home of esteemed former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Other notable historical houses in the neighborhood include the Ashland Estate, which belonged to Henry Clay. You can also explore The African American Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking tour that highlights the rich history of African Americans in Lexington and their contributions to the city. 

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13. Explore Downtown Lexington

Downtown Lexington is the perfect mix of new and old, simultaneously having a small town feel and big city vibes. During the day there’s a plethora of shops, street art, restaurants, food tours, and sights to see, all within an easy-to-walk distance. And if nightlife is more your speed, there’s bars, clubs, and plenty of spots that’d make the perfect date night.