Cincinnati convention center rebrands as First Financial Center after extensive renovation

First Financial Center reflects new era after renovation

Downtown Cincinnati’s convention center has been officially renamed the First Financial Center.

This change came after city leaders and First Financial Bank unveiled the new branding on February 9.

The rebranding marks a major milestone following the facility’s comprehensive renovation. Moreover, it reflects a long-term partnership between the city and the regional banking institution.  

City officials, community stakeholders, and representatives from First Financial Bank gathered at the downtown venue at 525 Elm Street to announce the new name. It will be used for the next 15 years under the naming rights agreement.  

The renovation project, which cost approximately $264 million, spanned 18 months. It led to significant upgrades inside and outside the building. Construction began in July 2024. The project concluded in late 2025. The center reopened in January 2026.  

Mayor Aftab Pureval said during the press conference that the First Financial Center name reflects Cincinnati’s growth. He also said it shows the city’s aspirations to attract more conventions and visitors, according to reports from various local outlets. In addition, he emphasized that the naming rights partner will help cement the facility’s role as a catalyst for economic development.  

City Manager Sheryl Long echoed those sentiments. She noted that First Financial Bank’s local roots and commitment to the community made it a fitting partner for one of Cincinnati’s signature destinations.  

Renovation highlights and economic impact

The newly named First Financial Center reopened earlier this year after an extensive renovation that expanded meeting spaces, modernized facilities, and added amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience.  

Key aspects of the renovation included:

• Upgraded meeting rooms and ballrooms with modern features.
• A newly designed entrance and expanded public spaces.
• A 6,000-square-foot outdoor rooftop terrace for events and gatherings.  

Officials said the renovations will help Cincinnati compete with other major convention hubs across the United States by offering state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the improvements will provide an improved guest experience.  

First Financial Bank’s naming rights deal also carries economic implications beyond brand visibility. City leaders said funds from the agreement will support related projects in the Convention District. For example, it will include a planned $536 million convention headquarters hotel set to begin construction later this year.  

Julie Kirkpatrick, CEO of Visit Cincy, stated that having a locally headquartered company sponsor the convention center shows strong community confidence in Cincinnati’s future. Furthermore, it underscores the industry’s economic impact.  

Naming history and community response

The facility has a long history of name changes tied to corporate sponsorship and civic identity. Originally opened in 1967 as the Convention-Exposition Center, it was later renamed the Albert B. Sabin Convention and Exposition Center in 1985. It then became the Duke Energy Convention Center in 2006 under a naming rights contract.  

Duke Energy’s naming rights deal was set to run through 2032. However, the company agreed to end the agreement early in exchange for $1.6 million from the city. This allowed Cincinnati to pursue a new partner ahead of the renovated center’s reopening.  

Local reactions to the renaming vary. Some community members on social platforms noted that many residents may continue to refer to the building simply as “the convention center,” regardless of its corporate name. On the other hand, others highlighted pride that a Cincinnati-based bank is now associated with a major civic asset.

What’s next for the convention district

With the First Financial Center name now in place, attention is turning to the broader Convention District development. City planners and developers are preparing for the start of construction on the new convention headquarters hotel. The project is expected to include 700 rooms, extensive meeting space, dining venues, and a skybridge connecting directly to the convention center.  

The hotel’s planned completion in 2028 could further enhance Cincinnati’s reputation as a destination for large-scale events and conventions. It will bolster economic activity in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.  

City leaders hope that the combination of the newly renovated and branded convention center, a major new hotel, and ongoing investment in public spaces will create momentum. As a result, it will benefit businesses, residents, and visitors alike.