After almost 60 years, an iconic Texas venue that hosted Elvis, Wings and the Spurs before their move to San Antonio, has officially closed. Now, as the city booms into one of the largest in the country, the landmark is entering a remodel phase that will cost more than $300 million.
Fort Worth said farewell to the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena on September 20, sharing in the venue’s 58 years of memories, including Rolling Stones concerts and Texas Chaparrals games (who went on to become the San Antonio Spurs). The entire convention center is now entering the second phase of its $701 million expansion and modernization plan, as outlined by the City of Fort Worth.
A filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) shows that phase two of the remodel will cost more than $352 million and run through December 31, 2029. That timeline is subject to change without notice, but it does match the timeline outlined by Visit Fort Worth. That timeline shows the arena demolition will take place in the first quarter of 2027, while the entire remodel and expansion will not be finished until the fourth quarter of 2029. However, Visit Fort Worth says the convention center plans to remain open during the remodel.
The TDLR filing shows that a new three-story addition will be constructed, including exhibit hall expansions and meeting room additions, along with a three-story renovation of existing meeting rooms. Once completed, the new convention center will offer more than 156,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 58,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, 21 breakout rooms and a 55,000-square-foot events plaza connected to Fort Worth Water Gardens, all in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, the city shared online…