First Financial Bank has entered a Naming Rights Agreement with the City of Cincinnati, renaming the city’s newly rebuilt convention center the First Financial Center.
Leaders from the City of Cincinnati, First Financial Bank, Hamilton County, Visit Cincy, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), and other project partners and key stakeholders gathered last week to unveil the new naming rights partner.
The media event took place inside the convention center’s main entrance at the corner of Fifth and Elm Streets, where Mayor Aftab Pureval and City Manager Sheryl Long announced the new naming rights partnership and welcomed Archie Brown, President and CEO of First Financial Bank, on stage.
Brown spoke about First Financial Bank’s commitment to the community and its belief in the vibrancy of downtown. The venue’s new logo appeared on a digital screen above the stage, offering attendees a first look at the First Financial Center branding that will soon be featured throughout the building’s interior and exterior.
At the conclusion of the event, the iconic Cincinnati sign and other exterior digital signage were updated to recognize First Financial’s partnership and display the venue’s new name.
“First Financial’s support of Cincinnati’s revitalized convention center aligns perfectly with our mission of helping our clients and communities thrive,” Brown told the crowd.
The completion of the convention center’s $264-million transformation was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 7, 2026. The 18-month renovation project transformed the outdated 55-year-old structure into a sought-after space for convention and event industry leaders.
The rebuilt facility boasts a sleek glass facade, upgraded meeting rooms and ballrooms and a brand-new roof. The third-floor Queen City Ballroom (a former junior ballroom) underwent a total renovation and now features a 6,000-sf outdoor roof terrace adjacent to the space. Additional improvements to building systems and technology enhance energy efficiency and optimize the building for high-caliber conventions and events.
Construction on the Cincinnati Convention Center began in July 2024, with Messer Construction Co.—in partnership with Triversity Construction and Jostin Construction—serving as the construction manager.
Additional information about the First Financial Center, including upcoming conventions and exhibitor resources, can be found at cincyconventions.com.
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