City officials on Thursday unveiled the facility's new name: the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center. The change comes as part of a 15-year naming rights agreement that places the bank's name on the downtown Raleigh venue.
The unveiling marked the culmination of months of preparation, according to Kerry Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex.
Painter said the transition involved extensive behind-the-scenes work, including updating the venue's website, email accounts, uniforms and signage.
"We're excited to welcome Atlantic Union Bank to Raleigh and are incredibly proud to partner with them on the naming of the convention center," Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David said in a statement. "Raleigh is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and this partnership reinforces just how vibrant, welcoming, and dynamic our community is."
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FULL: Unveiling of new name for Raleigh Convention Center
Atlantic Union Bank leaders said the 15-year agreement reflects the company's long-term commitment to the city and the partnership.
"This partnership is a powerful reflection of our commitment to the communities we serve," said Maria Tedesco, president and chief operating officer of Atlantic Union Bank. "By aligning our name with such an important gathering place, we're deepening our relationship with Raleigh in a meaningful way."
The announcement comes as the convention center undergoes a major expansion project. Officials said the 298,100-square-foot addition will include new flex spaces, ballrooms and meeting rooms, increasing the facility's total footprint to nearly 800,000 square feet.
The expansion is part of a broader downtown redevelopment effort that also includes a new 600-room Omni Hotel, a relocated Red Hat Amphitheater and improvements to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
Painter said the expansion is expected to help attract larger conventions and events that Raleigh previously could not accommodate.
"It's a huge game changer," Painter said.
Since opening in 2008, the convention center has welcomed more than 6 million guests and generated more than $1 billion in economic impact, according to city officials. The venue was also recognized with the International Association of Venue Managers' Venue Excellence Award in 2025.
Drivers may still see signs bearing the Raleigh Convention Center name for now. City leaders said remaining signs and references will be updated to the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center in the coming weeks.