Phase one of Fort Worth Convention Center expansion delivers modern features and more space

Fort Worth, Texas – The City of Fort Worth marked a major achievement in its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the Fort Worth Convention Center with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, December 8, celebrating the official completion of Phase 1 of the project. The $95 million expansion adds over 76,000 square feet of upgraded space and state-of-the-art features, creating a more welcoming and functional experience for both event organizers and visitors.

Despite active construction over the past two years, the convention center remained fully operational. Now, the newly finished areas are open to the public and convention clients, offering enhanced services and improved accessibility that aim to strengthen Fort Worth’s standing as a leading destination for national conferences and business events.

A Bold Step Toward a Brighter Future

Local leaders, tourism officials, and construction partners gathered at the convention center’s new southeast entrance, a striking addition that includes a lantern-box atrium lobby and a retail coffee bar named Beltbuckle Brew, designed to encourage casual networking and social interaction.

Speakers at the ceremony included Mayor Mattie Parker, District 9 Councilmember Elizabeth Beck, Public Events Director Mike Crum, and Visit Fort Worth President and CEO Bob Jameson.

“Fort Worth provides the Texas experience that meeting planners want, and the Phase 1 convention center expansion and modernization exceeds those expectations,” said Mayor Parker. “This milestone, along with Phase 2 construction, will increase capacity to host conferences from across the nation, bolstering our already impressive convention and tourism industry.”

The convention and tourism sector is one of Fort Worth’s largest economic engines. According to Visit Fort Worth, the city welcomed 11.5 million visitors in 2024, generating $251 million in state and local taxes. Tourism now supports more than 30,000 jobs and contributes a staggering $3.5 billion to the local economy.

On Time, On Budget, and Looking Ahead

Phase 1 improvements also include 11 new loading docks, realignment of Commerce Street to prepare for future development, upgraded food and beverage services, and a spacious terrace overlooking the surrounding neighborhood. Importantly, the project prioritizes pedestrian access and walkability, seamlessly connecting the convention center to nearby landmarks such as the Fort Worth Water Gardens, Trinity Metro Central Station, the new Texas A&M Fort Worth campus, and nearby hotels.

“This is only the first step in a bolder future for Fort Worth as a convention destination,” said Mike Crum. “We’ve 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 meeting business.”

Phase 2 Coming Soon

With Phase 1 officially complete, attention now turns to the much larger Phase 2, which is expected to begin in late 2026 and conclude in early 2030. This next phase of the expansion is projected to cost $606 million and will build on the momentum of Phase 1 to further modernize the venue and attract high-profile conferences and events.

As Fort Worth continues to grow, the convention center’s transformation is set to play a central role in shaping the city’s future as a hub for tourism, business, and economic opportunity.