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The newly renovated Cincinnati convention center is officially open for business. This follows an extensive 18-month construction project that redefined the downtown landscape.
City leaders and tourism officials celebrated the reopening of the Cincinnati convention center this week. This marks a new era for the region’s hospitality and event industry.
The $264 million renovation has completely modernized the facility, replacing its aging concrete exterior with a sleek, energy-efficient design.
Closed since July 2024, the venue now features expansive glass walls that flood the interior with natural light. This reopening is the first major milestone in a larger, multi-year plan to revitalize the city’s convention district.
Upgrades extend far beyond just a facelift. The facility now boasts a reimagined ballroom, upgraded technology systems, and flexible meeting spaces designed to attract national events. Officials believe these improvements will allow the city to compete with peer markets like Nashville and Indianapolis for large-scale conventions.
New year, new sign. Proudly introducing the brand-new, iconic Cincinnati sign all lit up. 🤩
Thank you to all of our partners for your collaboration on this project. We are so excited for the city to finally see it in person! pic.twitter.com/tT3z94mHZu
— City of Cincinnati (@CityOfCincy) January 6, 2026
New look for the Cincinnati convention center
One of the most visible changes is the removal of the old metal facade. In its place, a modern glass skin wraps around the building, offering transparency and a visual connection to the city streets.
A highlight of the renovation is the new LED “CINCINNATI” sign on the west wall. This high-tech display replaces the former static signage and can be customized with animations, colors, and live video. It is able to match specific events or home team sports games. According to reports by CityBeat, the new sign offers greater reliability and creative control than its predecessor.
Inside, the renovations focus on user experience. The “Queen City Ballroom” has been refreshed and now connects to an outdoor terrace, providing guests with views of the downtown skyline. The exhibit halls have also received technical upgrades to support modern trade show requirements.
Elm Street plaza adds outdoor space
A significant addition to the project is the transformation of Elm Street into a pedestrian-friendly plaza.
This two-acre outdoor area serves as a park and event space. It bridges the gap between the convention center and the surrounding neighborhood. It is designed to host outdoor receptions, live music, and public gatherings. Therefore, it effectively extends the convention experience outside the facility’s walls.
- Outdoor Event Space: Two acres of flexible parkland.
- Connectivity: Seamless flow between indoor and outdoor venues.
- Public Use: Accessible to residents when not in use for conventions.
According to WLWT, nearby business owners are optimistic about the reopening. Shops and restaurants in the area, such as the Ohio Book Store, expect to see a sharp increase in foot traffic as thousands of visitors return to the district.
Future hotel and economic impact
The reopening of the Cincinnati convention center is just one piece of a broader $800 million vision for the district.
Work is already underway on a new 700-room convention headquarters hotel nearby. Scheduled to open in 2028, this hotel will be connected to the center via a skybridge, solving a long-standing need for more on-site lodging for major conferences.
Tourism officials estimate the upgraded center will drive significant economic growth. By attracting larger conventions that previously skipped Cincinnati due to space or facility limitations, the city expects a boost in hotel stays, dining revenue, and tax receipts.
The first major public event scheduled for the newly reopened space is RedsFest later this month.
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