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These projects were financed from Phoenix Convention Center earmarked excise tax revenues and revenue bonds. Phoenix Convention Center's history -- from mere concept to thriving metropolitan convention center, impacting the local economy to the tune of $1.5 billion -- spans more than 40 years. For your convenience, we've compiled a summary of events, along with some information on the current state of affairs and what lies ahead. The 24-acre Phoenix Convention Center, in the heart of Copper Square, has been hosting national and regional conventions and trade shows as well as consumer events and theatrical productions since it opened in 1972. And, as Phoenix has undergone tremendous growth through the years by attracting high-technology businesses, transplants from other states, and an increase in tourism, so has Phoenix Convention Center. The concept for a performing arts auditorium developed as early as 1959. At that time, cultural and theatrical events were being held in outdated high school auditoriums. It was determined that the Phoenix metropolitan area would benefit, not only from having an entertainment facility, but also from a facility that could accommodate regional and national convention business. A citizens group was formed in the early 60's to study the development of a convention center and the idea for Phoenix Civic Plaza became reality. In 1963, in order to finance construction, the non-profit Phoenix Civic Plaza Building Corporation was created. On April 15, 1969, the city of Phoenix and Phoenix Civic Plaza Building Corporation signed legal agreements for the initial construction of the convention center. The Phoenix Civic Plaza Department was created in November 1969 to oversee the operational aspects of the construction, purchase equipment and hire and train staff. Construction of Phoenix Civic Plaza began the same year and was completed in 1972 at a cost of $28 million and occupying 16.5 acres. The original project included Symphony Hall, which opened at the same time. Six years later, the demand for additional space created a need for expansion. During that time, several conventions were bumped because of previous commitments and conflicting dates. When construction was completed in 1985, Phoenix Civic Plaza had more than doubled its available space to over 300,000 square feet. In the mid-90s Phoenix Convention Center embarked on an ambitious $32 million renovation project to update and enhance its image and keep the facility competitive for convention and trade show business. Today and into the Future Just as the greater Phoenix market continues to grow and thrive, so does the convention center. Due to the successful realization of the vision of Phoenix as a leading convention and trade show destination, demand for facilities and dates currently outstrips capacity. It's time to expand once again in order to accommodate conventions, shows and meetings, both national and local in scope, at the same time and under the same roof, allowing for greater scheduling flexibility, date availability, and, the ability for shows to grow and prosper. Phoenix voters overwhelmingly approved a $600 million expansion initiative that will keep the convention center competitive in an ever-challenging marketplace. When completed the new spacious, high-tech and client-friendly venue can be marketed to 85 percent of all conventions by increasing the current total 302,000 square feet of rentable space to approximately 900,000 square feet and providing the latest infrastructure, technology and services. The total building will encompass almost two million square feet. With the $600 million expansion elevating Phoenix's convention center into the top 20 in North America, a new name has been launched: Phoenix Convention Center. The new branding campaign ushers in a new era for the city's convention business, while retiring the name Phoenix Civic Plaza. (link to the new branding image and news release). More than thirty years ago, Phoenix civic leaders had a vision for the future of the city as a leading convention and trade show destination. Today, that vision has become an economic reality. The city of Phoenix and Phoenix Convention Center are committed to continuing and growing that leadership position. Through three decades, this spirit has made this urban renaissance a special environment to be shared with many generations to come. All
content and graphic assets of the Phoenix Convention Center Media Kit are
property of Phoenix Convention Center and are intended for media use only.
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