The Fort Worth Convention Center debuted Phase 1 of its ongoing renovation project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 8 last year. This marked the first major milestone after two years of construction, and Phase 2 of the project is expected to begin at the end of the year and continue through early 2030. This first batch of updates cost $95 million and included a new grand entryway and terrace for the center’s southeast entrance, four new loading docks (to bring the total to 13), several food and beverage outlets, a retail coffee bar, and the realignment of Commerce Street to accommodate a site pad for a future convention hotel.
“This is only the first step [toward] a bolder future for Fort Worth as a convention destination,” says Mike Crum, director of public events for the City of Fort Worth, in a prepared statement. “We have delivered Phase 1 on budget and on time, and design is almost complete for the second phase of expansion and modernization. We will have floor plans and renderings to share within the next few months that will illustrate big horizons ahead for Fort Worth’s meetings business.” The Fort Worth Convention Center will remain open throughout the renovations, with Phase 2 expected to cost some $606 million. The second batch will replace the center’s arena with modern meeting space and a large ballroom; renovate and modernize existing exhibit space; and refresh the overall design, informed by customer feedback via focus groups with meeting planners.
