The new Austin Convention Center isn’t just a project. It’s a bold leap into the future for one of the world’s greatest cities. It will be a vital downtown amenity, fueling economic growth, sparking community pride, and solidifying Austin as a premier hub for culture, business, and unforgettable experiences.
Austin is the No. 13 largest city in the U.S., yet the Convention Center ranks No. 61 in size. We’ve had to turn away major events simply because we don’t have enough space. That changes with this expansion and redevelopment. Once complete, we’ll climb to the No. 35 largest in the country, making Austin a competitive hub for large-scale conferences and multiple simultaneous events.
The expansion and redevelopment will be paid for by the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)—a tax paid by guests who stay at Austin hotels—Project Financing Zone revenues, which is a rebate of an increment of certain state HOT and sales taxes from hotels near the Convention Center for a period of 30 years, as well as Convention Center revenues. No property taxes or general fund dollars are used.
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Every detail of the new Convention Center is designed with sustainability in mind, from salvaged materials to low-carbon concrete and steel. The project will be the first Zero Carbon Certified Convention Center in the world. The facility will run on 100% renewable energy, with a vision to achieve ILFI Zero Carbon certification and align with the Austin Climate Equity Plan.
The Convention Center’s reimagined design removes barriers, restores key streets, and creates welcoming public spaces—linking east and west in downtown Austin, making it more connected, walkable, and people-first. Visitors and locals alike can explore street-level retail stores and interact in a space designed to bring people together.
With $17.7 million dedicated to public art and collaboration with 10 local artists, the new Convention Center is more than a venue—it’s a landmark that celebrates Austin’s creative spirit and ensures art is part of every step forward.
The unprecedented investment in public art is a massive boost to the city’s existing portfolio of $22 million. For the first time, artists were involved from the beginning, ensuring that the expansion and redevelopment stay true to Austin’s creative spirit.
Years of community engagement, in-depth studies, and a dedicated taskforce led to a plan that the Austin City Council approved in 2019. Design and construction contracts were officially in place in 2023, and in 2024, we started designing a space that reflects Austin’s future while honoring its roots.
In April 2025, we officially closed our doors and began decommissioning and demolition activities. Today, construction is underway, including initial work on the foundation structure. Demolition and mid-excavation will continue through the end of 2025, with more construction activity ramping up in early 2026. The new facility is set to reopen in late 2028, just in time to welcome the 2029 spring festival season.
This isn’t just a Convention Center. It’s a new heartbeat for Austin. Welcome to UnconventionalATX.
*All renderings provided by Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page.
