MEMI Announces Name of New State-of-the-Art Music Venue in Anderson Township

Cincinnati’s next big music venue now has a name after a big donation.

MEMI, a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) that manages live entertainment venues, including Riverbend Music Center and the Andrew J Brady Music Center, announced Thursday that its new state-of-the-art music and entertainment venue being built on the site of the former Coney Island will be called the Farmer Music Center after a $60 million gift from the Farmer Family Foundation. The organization says it’s the largest philanthropic commitment to the arts in recent Cincinnati history.

“We are deeply grateful to the entire Farmer family, represented by the Farmer Family Foundation, for their vision, support and belief in the life-changing power of music,” Robert McGrath, CSO president and CEO, said in a statement. “This extraordinary gift from the Farmer Family Foundation reflects a tremendous vote of confidence in the project and represents a transformative investment in Cincinnati’s future, one that will enhance the quality of life in our region for generations to come. By naming this venue ‘The Farmer Music Center,’ we honor the family’s generosity and ensure that its legacy will be forever linked to the cultural vitality of Cincinnati.”

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MEMI says the Farmer Music Center is expected to open in spring 2027 and will generate $82 million in annual economic impact, create hundreds of jobs and increase tourism to the region. In its first 10 years, it’s expected to provide $15 million in city tax revenue and $7 million in state tax revenue.

“Music and live entertainment have long played an important role in bringing people together,” Scott D. Farmer, trustee with the Farmer Family Foundation, said in the press release. “It energizes communities, creates shared experiences and drives meaningful economic impact. We’re proud to support the creation of The Farmer Music Center to enhance the quality of life and serve as a catalyst for growth and connection across the region.”

The Farmer Music Center will feature a cutting-edge vertical design to appeal to both concertgoers and artists, plus the capacity to seat 8,000 people and a general-admission lawn that can host 12,000 more. Upgraded amenities will include expanded concessions and restrooms, a 300,000-square-foot concourse and a new club space that takes advantage of the vertical design.

In addition to the economic boost MEMI expects the venue to provide, the Farmer Music Center will also help support the CSO through it and MEMI’s unique funding model. MEMI reinvests all its net revenue into the CSO, allowing the CSO to continue offering its music programming, as well as educational programs and community concerts.

MEMI says it will hold a press conference later this summer to offer more details on the Farmer Music Center.

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This article appears in May 28 – Jun 10, 2025.