As we close out the year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the progress made on the Convention Center expansion and redevelopment project. It’s been a busy 2025, to say the least! We also wanted to update you on the status of the project, as well as some exciting opportunities happening in downtown this month! As always, we appreciate your ongoing support and wish you a joyful holiday season.
In 2025, the Austin Convention Center expansion and redevelopment project really took off! After closing our doors in April, the construction team swiftly began demolition of the existing facility, wrapping it up substantially in October. At the same time, crews were beginning excavation, which is in full force and will continue through August 2026.
As of mid-December 2025, 293,000 cubic yards of dirt have been removed, along with pier removal that supported the old structure. That’s equivalent to 20 Barton Springs Pools! The project is not just about construction; it’s also community-oriented, with excavated soil being reused in Del Valle to help build a new high school. This demonstrates how the project is not only transforming Austin’s skyline but also driving growth across Central Texas.
In September, construction crews began building the diaphragm wall, the first structural element of the underground foundation. These foundational efforts will support the expanded footprint, which will stretch across six city blocks and redefine Austin’s event landscape.
On the design side, we reached a significant milestone in 2025 with the completion of the Design Development Phase in October. This achievement allowed us to refine and elevate the architectural vision into a dynamic, functional, and future-ready space. We are now in the final design stage which will continue through 2026. In the meantime, we can’t wait to share new renderings that have developed from our progress to date! Stay tuned for updates in the new year.
Sustainability continues to be a driving force of the project. Reclaimed materials from the original facility, including structural steel trusses, metal panels, and the building’s iconic Jamie Carpenter blue art glass panels, are being thoughtfully reintegrated, reducing waste while honoring the legacy of the original structure. With the project on track for LEED certification, this effort underscores a deep and lasting commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible design.
When it reopens in 2029, the Austin Convention Center will make history as the world’s first Net Zero Carbon Certified Convention Center—powered entirely by renewable energy, constructed with low-impact materials, and setting a bold new standard for sustainable design. At the same time, its expanded size will place it among the top 35 largest convention centers in the U.S., opening new opportunities for Austin to host larger, more diverse events and enhance its global profile.
As 2025 draws to a close, the expansion and redevelopment continue to progress rapidly. With demolition finished, excavation underway, and designs nearly complete, Austin’s event scene is taking shape—bold, sustainable, and uniquely Austin.
The Austin Convention Center is proud to partner with Austin Parks and Recreation to repurpose small trees that were unable to survive replanting from the old Convention Center site into creative, nature-inspired play features through the City’s Nature Play program.
Rather than being discarded or mulched, logs from these trees will be turned into balance beams, trail borders, and climbing features. Stumps will be reused for jumping, seating, and creative play. These one-of-a-kind features will bring new energy to John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park, creating vibrant, interactive spaces for children and families to gather, play, and explore. More than a sustainability effort, this initiative celebrates creativity and the joy of outdoor play, enriching our parks and inspiring future generations of Austinites to connect with nature.
We are proud to partner with Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) and Visit Austin as they support our local community. Now through Jan. 5, 2026, visit DAA’s site to discover what’s happening downtown and explore holiday deals, gift guides, and events that showcase the magic of downtown.
This holiday season, parking downtown can be stress-free and convenient. With two centrally located Convention Center garages—the 2nd Street Garage and the 5th Street Garage—visitors can enjoy quick access to downtown shopping, dining, and events. Both garages offer easy entry, ample space, and are just steps from the heart of the festivities. Whether you’re attending a show, grabbing dinner, or exploring, parking is one less thing to worry about.
The Austin Convention Center team fully funds the $1.6 billion expansion and redevelopment project using three sources: the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) paid by visitors staying in Austin hotels, Project Financing Zone revenues—a rebate of state HOT and sales taxes from hotels within a 3-mile radius—and Convention Center revenues. The project does not rely on property taxes.
In early 2026, the Austin Convention Center team will reveal more renderings, including visuals of our ballroom and flex hall and new exterior perspectives. Our cranes and excavators will dig deeper, reaching depths of more than 50 feet to start laying the foundation for our underground exhibit halls and loading docks. The team will regularly update the UnconventionalATX website with new content and features to track the project’s progress.
奥斯汀会议中心即将迎来激动人心的变化，您的意见至关重要。请参加我们的快速调查。
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