Cincinnati Convention Center Plans LED Upgrade for Iconic Sign

The iconic "Cincinnati" sign on the Duke Energy Convention Center, a fixture of the city's skyline for 17 years, is set for a major upgrade as part of the convention center's $240 million renovation. The new sign will feature individually LED-illuminated letters that can display customizable colors, gradients, animations, and visuals such as Bengals stripes or Reds and FC Cincinnati logos, enhancing its dynamic capabilities beyond the previous 2014 LED upgrade. This modernization aims to address maintenance challenges with the current sign, which consists of 78 lighted metal panels that are costly and difficult to repair, often requiring street closures and specialized equipment for fixture access. The renovation project is managed by Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) and designed by Moody Nolan and TVS Architecture, with demolition of the existing sign scheduled for June and installation planned to coincide with the convention center’s full renovation completion next year. In addition to the sign, the building's facade will include a large new video board to showcase local events and visitor information. City officials emphasize that while the upgrade brings new technology and customization, it will preserve the sign's traditional role as a welcoming symbol of Cincinnati.