Republic Bank is now a proud partner of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team. The partnership launched today with the unveiling of the 'Republic Bank Draft Room' at Tropicana Field.

Republic Bank and the Rays have worked together on creating and building a new destination area designed exclusively for season ticket holders and guests. The collaboration reflects an effort to add value to the existing season ticket holder base by providing additional benefits and an enhanced game experience.

“The Republic Bank Draft Room is the latest addition to a robust variety of benefits available to season ticket holders,” said Rays President Brian Auld. “Republic Bank and the Rays share a commitment to providing outstanding customer service to our clients, so this partnership promises to be a strong one.”

Located on the mezzanine level along the third base line, the Republic Bank Draft Room blends hospitality and comfort with special access to Rays staff, players, alumni, coaches and local personalities. Featuring pre- and postgame entertainment, the lounge area offers local craft beers and themed signature food items based on the team's opponent.

“We are thrilled to be a partner of the Tampa Bay Rays, and to expand the Republic Bank brand in the Florida market,” said Steve Trager, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Republic Bank. “At Republic Bank we believe we can make our clients' lives easier, and we are delighted that the Tampa Bay Rays want to extend this philosophy to season ticket holders with the Republic Bank Draft Room.”

David Feaster, President/CEO of Cornerstone Community Bank added, “When we finalized the agreement to merge Cornerstone Community Bank with Republic Bank, Steve Trager immediately told me that he wanted to not only make an impact in the bay area in the financial industry, but also have a commitment to the community. I suggested, and he readily agreed, that as a business in Tampa Bay, we needed to partner with the Tampa Bay Rays as a way to reach our target customers and to support this wonderful Tampa Bay-wide institution.”

Once Republic Bank has approval for legal merger, the Republic Bank brand will be expanding and will have a six banking center presence in the Florida market. By expanding their footprint, Republic Bank is able to impact the financial industry and now, by partnering with the Rays, will have a strong commitment to the community.

About Republic Bank:

Republic Bancorp, Inc. (“Republic”) currently has 40 banking centers and is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (“RB&T”). RB&T has 32 banking centers in 12 Kentucky communities - Covington, Crestwood, Elizabethtown, Florence, Frankfort, Georgetown, Independence, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, Shelbyville and Shepherdsville; three banking centers in southern Indiana – Floyds Knobs, Jeffersonville and New Albany; two banking centers in Florida – Port Richey and Temple Terrace; two banking centers in Tennessee – Cool Springs (Franklin) and Green Hills (Nashville); and one banking center in Blue Ash (Cincinnati), Ohio. Republic offers internet banking at www.republicbank.com. Republic has $4.2 billion in assets and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Republic's Class A Common Stock is listed under the symbol “RBCAA” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

About Tampa Bay Rays:

The Tampa Bay Rays mission is to energize the community through the magic of Rays baseball. The organization is committed to building a strong community bond through meaningful interactions and charitable donations, and has proudly represented Major League Baseball since 1998.

Republic Bank. It’s just easier hereSM