First financial bank pays $10.1 million for convention center naming rights
Downtown Cincinnati’s Convention Center has undergone a transformation, reopening after an 18-month closure for a $2.5 billion renovation. Earlier this month, it was officially named the First Financial Center. Our reporter, Lindsay Stone, was on hand for the unveiling. So, here it is—drumroll, please—the center is now called the First Financial Center, prominently displayed on a screen in the newly renovated venue.
City officials and the First Financial Bank are enthusiastic about a new partnership aimed at revitalizing the area. They believe this is a fantastic branding opportunity, helping to spread the word about their local bank and its commitment to enhancing the community. First Financial Bank emphasizes that the naming rights agreement goes beyond mere visibility; it’s an investment in downtown Cincinnati intended to spur economic growth. There’s a sense that this move could attract more visitors, drawing attention to what the city has to offer—hotels, restaurants, and more.
The president of First Financial, Archie Brown, shared his personal connection to the convention center, recalling how it has changed over the years. He grew up in the 70s, and the site was quite different back then, possibly resembling an outdated hotel. Now, it has a modern flair and energy that promises to enliven the downtown scene.
City leaders are hopeful that the rebranding will help Cincinnati remain competitive with other major convention cities, which are increasingly vying for such events. They are aiming to bring more life and traffic back downtown. This naming rights agreement spans 15 years, with most of the funds dedicated to developing a new hotel right across from the convention center, a project expected to break ground soon.
Just a few weeks ago, the newly renovated center hosted its first significant event, RedsFest, marking a return after its long hiatus since 2023. The future looks bright for both the convention center and the city, as they work to attract both visitors and events.
