​On September 28, 2022, the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues​ will celebrate 50 years since its initial grand opening in 1972. The original Phoenix Civic Plaza building also included the multi-purpose performing arts venue, Symphony Hall. Envisioned to serve as a center for cultural and theatrical performances, Symphony Hall complemented Phoenix Civic Plaza’s goal to grow the city’s convention and tourism business. Since that time, the Phoenix Civic Plaza and Symphony Hall have grown to become a driving force for downtown revitalization.
During the mid-80’s, the facility was expanded across Washington Street, and in the mid-90’s, underwent a $30 million renovation. After decades of residents and visitors enjoying a variety of events at the Civic Plaza, the facility underwent a $600 million expansion that tripled the size of the venues. The expansion project was completed in late 2008 and was reopened as the Phoenix Convention Center. The expanded convention center allowed Phoenix to host conventions, trade shows, and events on a national level. Since the completion of the expansion project, the Phoenix Convention Center has hosted approximately 2.7 million convention attendees representing 7.5 million hotel room nights and generates more than $300 million in direct visitor spending annually.
During this milestone year, the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues will celebrate the remarkable meetings and events it has hosted over the years, and the profound change in the downtown landscape since it was first established. With a dedicated team of 250+ employees, nearly one million square feet of rentable space, and a variety of essential amenities, the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues long-term commitment to excellence over the decades will be instrumental in its future of hosting innovative and exciting meetings and events.
About the Phoenix Convention Center:
The award-winning, GBAC STARâ„¢ accredited, Phoenix Convention Center is one of the largest convention venues in the United States. It boasts nearly one million square feet of rentable meeting and event space. As a department of the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Convention Center is a vital economic enterprise for the state and local economy. The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues include the Phoenix Convention Center, Symphony Hall, Orpheum Theatre Phoenix and nine downtown parking facilities.
Phoenix Convention Center & Venues Facts
Phoenix Convention Center - Opened its doors on September 28, 1972
Generates an estimated $300 million in annual economic benefit from conventions.
Changes Over Time:
Symphony Hall - Opened its doors on September 29, 1972 (day after Phoenix Civic Plaza)
2,312 —​ seat multipurpose theatre
State-of-the-art lighting fixtures, audio, and video equipment
Outdoor plaza with ancillary space
Resident companies — Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, The Phoenix Symphony
Notable Events:
1972 — First client in former Civic Plaza – Greenband Enterprise Boat Show
1996 — Super Bowl XXX Media Headquarters
2006 — First client in West Building (Capella University)
2008 — Super Bowl XLII Media Headquarters
2009 — First clients in North Building (USA Imaging and the American Meteorological Society)
2009 — Largest convention (National Rifle Association; 63,000 delegates)
2009 — U.S. Greenbuild Conference
2009 — NBA All-Star Jam Session
2010 — WWE Fan Axxess
2011 — MLB All-Star Fan Fest
2015 — Super Bowl XLIX NFL Experience and Media Headquarters
2017 — NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest
2019 — WWE Royal Rumble Fan Axxess
2023 — Coming Soon Super Bowl LVII Fan Experience
2024 — Coming Soon NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest coming soon
2026 — Coming Soon NCAA Women’s Final Four Fan Fest coming soon
Service Providers:
Ace Parking – parking service provider
AV Concepts — audiovisual service provider
Aventura Catering — food service provider
Commonwealth Electric Company — utilities service provider
Etix — web-based ticketing service provider
Smart City Networks — technology and telecommunications service provider
