Fort Worth Closed Convention Center Arena for Renovation
The city initiated a $352 million modernization phase, impacting local event space capacity through 2029.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Fort Worth Convention Center Arena officially closed on September 20, 2026, marking the end of its 58-year operation. This closure kicks off the second phase of a $701 million total expansion designed to increase the city's event hosting capacity.
Why it matters
The project aims to accommodate regional growth by significantly upgrading the city's infrastructure to meet rising demand for large-scale meeting and exhibit space. Local operators should account for reduced venue availability in downtown Fort Worth through the end of 2029.
The city is investing $352 million in the second phase of a $701 million expansion project vs. the previous facility footprint. The modernized center will feature 156,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 58,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and a 28,000-square-foot ballroom.
The players
Fort Worth
A major Texas city currently undergoing significant capital improvement projects to accommodate growth.
Fort Worth Convention Center
A municipal event facility in downtown Fort Worth undergoing a comprehensive multi-phase modernization.
The details
The second phase involves constructing a three-story addition and renovating existing meeting rooms to support a new 55,000-square-foot events plaza and 21 breakout rooms. Contractors are scheduled to begin the arena demolition in the first quarter of 2027. The city plans for the entire expansion to be fully finished by the fourth quarter of 2029.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: The Fort Worth Convention Center Arena officially closed.
Q1 2027: Arena demolition is scheduled to take place.
Q4 2029: The entire remodel and expansion will be finished.
December 31, 2029: Phase two of the remodel is scheduled to end.
Market Landscape
This project follows the funding patterns established by the 2021 Texas Local Government Code Chapter 334 regarding municipal venue financing. It represents a broader trend among major U.S. cities to modernize aging convention assets to maintain competitiveness in the meetings and events market.
Local businesses should adjust their event-driven revenue forecasts and marketing calendars to reflect the reduced capacity in the downtown district through 2029. Owners of nearby hospitality and dining establishments should consult with city planners regarding the construction timeline to manage logistics and foot traffic.
The takeaway
The Fort Worth Convention Center expansion underscores a long-term commitment to attracting larger-scale business tourism despite a four-year disruption. Operators should monitor the city's official municipal notices for 2027 demolition updates to mitigate potential supply chain or transit disruptions.
What happens next
Demolition of the existing arena structure is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on regional infrastructure changes, see Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MySA.
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