Design Reflects Contemporary Architecture Rooted in Fort Worth’s Heritage
Fort Worth, Texas — With the $95 million Phase 1 of the Fort Worth Convention Center complete and the ribbon cut in December, Fort Worth is charging ahead with Phase 2 expansion and modernization plans presented to City Council Feb. 3.
At $606 million, Phase 2 will deliver a new, flexible convention building in place of the 1968 arena and modernize the existing building, which has not been significantly renovated since the 2003 expansion.
A transparent, 4-story structure will feature a central tower at Main and 9th Streets, reflecting the Tarrant County Courthouse at the north end of Main Street; a plaza with native prairie green space connecting to General Worth Square; and terraces for outdoor events with expansive downtown views.
Inside, flexible spaces and Texas-inspired design will enable Fort Worth to host larger conventions or two large events simultaneously. Once complete, the expanded and modernized facility will feature 257,268 square feet of exhibit hall space, 60,917 square feet of meeting room space, 74,033 square feet of ballroom space, and 16 loading docks.
“The Phase 2 expansion positions Fort Worth to not only attract more conventions and meetings, but also to deepen engagement with downtown businesses and residents,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “As a key part of the transformation of the southeast quadrant of downtown, the new center will anchor a hub of economic growth and higher-education partnerships, and its beautiful design will showcase the Modern West brand that has helped make Fort Worth a stand-out destination among our peer cities.”
Response to Research
Previous studies estimated that Fort Worth could nearly double the convention business the City hosts with an expanded and modernized facility. Those projections have been updated recently to also reflect focus group input from the center’s current and prospective clients and the impacts of Texas A&M’s Fort Worth campus under construction across Commerce Street, downtown residential development and post-pandemic tourism trends.
“Our customers shared their feedback, and we responded,” said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “From flexible space configurations that allow for more breakout sessions to ceiling heights required for sports competitions, the expansion and renovation will provide modern amenities and an authentic Texas experience that attendees are seeking. Even within the ballroom, guests will immediately feel that they are in Fort Worth, Texas.”
Intentional Design
With Dickies Arena now the premier arena in Fort Worth, the 1968 downtown convention center arena will be demolished in early 2027 to make way for the new building. Mobilization for demolition will begin in summer 2026, with the arena’s final event planned for September 2026. Completion of Phase 2 is scheduled for early 2030, and the center will continue to remain operational during construction.
“Our construction partners, exclusive service providers, and our City Public Events team successfully navigated conventions and sporting events with very high Net Promoter Scores from clients during Phase 1,” said Mike Crum, director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department. “Now that we have 13 new docks, a state-of-the-art catering kitchen, and a straightened Commerce Street, operationally we are set to continue exceeding expectations and already are booking business into 2030 and beyond.”
Architectural language that will define the full expansion draws from downtown Fort Worth’s material palette and civic character. Brick, limestone, copper, steel, and patina finishes ground the design in the city’s urban fabric while introducing a contemporary interpretation of “The Modern West.” Interior spaces will feature leather, mesquite wood, blackened metal, and exposed structural steel, complemented by warm tones and custom patterns that nod to local culture, including carpet designs and ballroom ceilings inspired by Texas sunsets, cattle brands, and the City’s longhorn logo.
Convention Center design is led by Atlanta-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm TVS and Fort Worth-based Bennett Partners. The successful Phase 1 Construction Manager at Risk joint venture of AECOMHunt, Byrne Construction, and EJ Smith Construction will continue for Phase 2. Project management is overseen by Broaddus & Associates and Elements of Architecture, local companies with deep knowledge of Fort Worth’s character, community partners, and City government procedures.
The Fort Worth Convention Center expansion has been shaped through ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders, including Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., the Downtown Design Review Board, and a city advisory committee composed of elected officials, business leaders, and community representatives.
About the Fort Worth Convention Center
Since 1968, the Fort Worth Convention Center & Arena has hosted thousands of major national and international events, including sports, concerts, political rallies, conventions, and trade shows. Owned and operated by the City of Fort Worth, the Convention Center was significantly expanded in 2003. With a total meeting space of almost 400,000 square feet, it is the premier event space in downtown Fort Worth. Staff, floor plans, virtual tour, and calendar of events are at Fort Worth Convention Center | Event Planning & Support.
