Downtown Raleigh’s largest meeting and event venue is getting a new name. The Raleigh Convention Center will officially become the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center under a long-term naming-rights agreement between the City of Raleigh and Atlantic Union Bank.

The change comes as Raleigh prepares for a major expansion of the convention center and additional development throughout the surrounding downtown district.

Who Is Behind the Raleigh Convention Center Name Change?

The agreement is between the City of Raleigh, which owns the convention center, and Atlantic Union Bank, a regional financial institution expanding its presence across North Carolina.

The Raleigh City Council unanimously approved the naming-rights proposal on June 16, 2026. Atlantic Union Bank currently operates in North Carolina and has announced plans to open additional Triangle-area branches. WUNC reported⁠ that the bank views the convention center as a natural fit because of its role as a destination for business, culture and community gatherings.

What Is the Convention Center’s New Name?

The facility will be known as the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center.

The convention center will remain at 500 South Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh. The building will continue hosting conventions, conferences, high school graduations, trade shows, festivals and other community events.

The agreement changes the venue’s public-facing name and branding—it does not change the building’s location, primary purpose or City of Raleigh ownership.

What Does the Name Change Mean for Raleigh?

Residents and visitors will begin seeing the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center name on exterior signage, event promotions, digital platforms and other venue materials.

Event organizers may initially use both names while the public becomes familiar with the new branding. Anyone attending an upcoming event should recognize that “Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center” and the former “Raleigh Convention Center” refer to the same downtown venue.

The partnership also provides Raleigh with a new source of revenue. Atlantic Union Bank will pay the city an initial annual naming-rights fee of $525,000, increasing by 2% each year during the first 15-year term. Altogether, the initial agreement is expected to generate approximately $9 million for the city. The contract also includes options for two additional five-year extensions, according to the City of Raleigh⁠.

Why Is Raleigh Changing the Convention Center’s Name?

For Raleigh, selling the naming rights creates recurring revenue while strengthening a partnership with a financial institution growing its presence in the Triangle.

For Atlantic Union Bank, the agreement provides major brand exposure at one of downtown Raleigh’s most recognizable public venues. Thousands of residents, visitors, convention attendees and business leaders pass through the facility every year.

The timing also aligns with the city’s plans to significantly expand the convention center. The project will add approximately 298,100 square feet of new ballrooms, meeting rooms and flexible event space, increasing the facility’s total footprint to nearly 800,000 square feet.

The broader downtown development plan also includes a new 600-room Omni hotel, the relocated Red Hat Amphitheater and improvements to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

When Does the New Name Take Effect?

The official name and signage unveiling is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026. New branding is expected to appear across the venue and its promotional materials as the transition moves forward.

The initial naming-rights agreement will last 15 years, with the possibility of extending the partnership for up to 10 additional years.

What Visitors Should Know

The most important point for visitors is that the venue is not moving. The Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center remains at 500 South Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh.

Previously scheduled events are expected to continue as planned. Attendees may see either the old or new name on tickets, websites, calendars and directions during the branding transition.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |