Detroit’s Cobo Center Is Now TCF Center 

September 4, 2019

Detroit’s Cobo Center has been officially renamed TCF Center. The new name follows a 22-year naming rights partnership between TCF National Bank, a subsidiary of TCF Financial Corporation, and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority. 

DRCFA awarded naming rights to Chemical Bank — now a division of TCF Bank following its successful merger of equals on Aug.1 that transformed the two companies into TCF Financial Corporation — earlier this year following a competitive process.

The new name and signage were revealed on Aug. 27 by TCF Executive Chairman Gary Torgow, TCF President and CEO Craig Dahl and DRCFA Chairman Larry Alexander. Also attending the celebration were Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and a host of the bank’s and DRCFA’s top leaders along with other state, city and community dignitaries. 

“We couldn’t be prouder or more honored to partner with the authority on this unique opportunity to support our hometown and state,” Torgow said. “It helps ensure a continued strong, vibrant future for the world-class Detroit convention center that connects our city to the world.”

He continued, “It’s an important part of our larger, intentional effort to marry inclusion with investment across the city and its neighborhoods, region and state.”

The unveiling of the facility’s new name was followed by a free block party outside of TCF Center, where local residents enjoyed games, food and Motor City-style musical entertainment.

According to TCF officials, the partnership will help TCF Center continue to grow its meetings, conventions and event business, which has experienced a record-breaking uptick since its $279 million renovation was completed in early 2016. As host to 1.5 million attendees per year, the facility had an unprecedented year in 2018 with 244 events. It’s also seen a 564 percent increase in revenue since 2009.

“This naming rights agreement has been a goal of the DRCFA since it was formed in 2009, and TCF Bank is the perfect partner,” said Alexander, who’s also CEO of the Detroit Metro CVB. “Our partnership with TCF Bank will help to cement the convention center’s strong financial future.”

The $1.5 million-per-year in sponsorship revenue from the TCF Bank partnership will also help the facility move toward becoming self-sustaining by 2024, saving Michigan taxpayers millions of dollars, according to TCF Center officials.

“It is an exciting time for the venue and city,” said Claude Molinari, general manager of TCF Center. “This naming rights contract will help develop more business for the facility, which will mean more jobs for local residents. Providing jobs is critically important to our mission.”

In addition, the combined CSR programs of TCF Bank and TCF Center will expand community outreach for the venue, and offer more free events to residents including financial management workshops, job training and financial aid access. These offerings will add to the ongoing free health and wellness events, staff volunteer efforts in the Detroit neighborhoods and support of local artists and merchants in the Pure Detroit shop located on the concourse.

“I can’t think of better partners than Gary Torgow and the team at TCF Bank to help secure the future of our region’s convention center,” Mayor Duggan said. “Today’s announcement...shows TCF Bank is truly invested in our city and its people.”

 

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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.