Duke Energy Convention Center

The Duke Energy Convention Center is a convention center located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, covering two city blocks bounded by Elm Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, and Central Avenue.

Duke Energy Convention Center
Building exterior
Map
Address525 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Coordinates39°06′05″N 84°31′10″W / 39.1014345°N 84.5194922°W / 39.1014345; -84.5194922
OwnerCity of Cincinnati
OperatorOVG360
Opened1967
Expanded1984, 2006
Construction cost
$10.0 million[1]
($91.4 million in 2023 dollars[2])
Former names
Convention-Exposition Center (1968–1985)
Albert B. Sabin Convention and Exposition Center (1985–2006)
Enclosed space
 • Total space750,000 sq ft (70,000 m2)
 • Exhibit hall floor195,320 sq ft (18,146 m2)
 • Breakout/meeting44,341 sq ft (4,119.4 m2)
 • Ballroom56,511 sq ft (5,250.0 m2)
Public transit accessLight rail interchange Connector
Bus interchange Metro
Bicycle facilities Red Bike
Website
http://www.duke-energycenter.com/

History

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The convention center opened in 1967 as the Convention-Exposition Center. It was renamed the Albert B. Sabin Convention and Exposition Center on November 14, 1985, amid national criticism that Second Street had been named after Pete Rose instead of the pioneering medical researcher.[3][4][5] The convention was renovated and expanded in 2006.[6] In 2020, the center was designed for use as a field hospital along with other similar facilities nationwide to house patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in the event that area hospitals reach capacity.

Operations

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Venue management company, OVG360, oversees day-to-day operations of the 750,000-square-foot (70,000 m2) facility.[7][8]

Annual events

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  • RedsFest
  • Cincinnati Winter Beer Fest
  • Cincinnati Auto Expo
  • Cincinnati Home and Garden Show

Notable events

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The Duke Energy Center played host to the 2012 World Choir Games when it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the awards ceremonies of the games.[9]

In July 2015, the convention center hosted the 2015 MLB All-Star Fan Fest.

The DECC was host to the 1977 National Rifle Association (NRA) annual convention, at which the Revolt at Cincinnati resulted in the election of Harlon Carter as the leader of the NRA, and a change in emphasis for the organization, away from hunting, conservation, and marksmanship and toward an uncompromising defense of the personal ownership of firearms for self-defense.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "History of the Convention Center". Duke Energy Convention Center. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  2. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ^ Bonfield, Tim (July 5, 1999). "Sabin has been snubbed before". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Gannett Company. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  4. ^ Special correspondent (September 29, 1985). "On the Cincinnati Streets, It's Rose 1, Sabin 0". The New York Times. Retrieved October 12, 2015. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ Special correspondent (November 17, 1985). "Cincinnati Center Is Named For Polio Vaccine Developer". The New York Times. Retrieved October 12, 2015. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ "Queen City Tour: 102. Dr. Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center". 2 April 2011.
  7. ^ "Contact Us". Duke Energy Convention Center. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  8. ^ "Venues". Oak View Group. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  9. ^ "2012 World Choir Games". Interkultur Foundation. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
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39°06′05″N 84°31′03″W / 39.101314°N 84.517495°W / 39.101314; -84.517495