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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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact