The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues experienced a landmark year in 2023. From hosting two weekends of Super Bowl LVII fan activations to landing the 2024 WNBA All-Star fan fest to the dozens of meetings and conventions held on campus, the convention center is surpassing pre-pandemic levels of business.
“The past year has demonstrated the capabilities of the Phoenix Convention Center” said Jerry Harper, acting director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues. “Everything that happens at the PCC is a team effort, it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our all our incredible employees. I’m so proud to work with this talented group and am proud of all that we accomplished together in 2023.”
In 2023, the Phoenix Convention Center hosted 65 conventions with nearly 300,000 delegates. The economic impact of the Convention Center in 2023 was an estimated $438.9 million.
Hosting the Super Bowl Experience, thousands of members of the media, and the NFL Honors was one of the year’s greatest highlights. During the two weekends of the Super Bowl Experience, 322,400 people walked through the doors of the Phoenix Convention Center to play in the NFL's official playground.
“The success of Super Bowl LVII and all the activations at the Phoenix Convention Center, and throughout Phoenix, is a testament to the viability of our City as an epicenter for mega events,” Harper said. “I know we all look forward to hosting future mega events, starting with the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2024.”
The Orpheum Theatre and Symphony Hall also saw a successful year alongside the Phoenix Convention Center. The two venues hosted 270 events with an estimated attendance of 698,889, providing space for a wide variety of entertainment.
This year, 2024, holds equally exciting prospects for the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues. In January, the Convention Center will celebrate the opening of PRESS Coffee and Retail Therapy AZ. These additions provide attendees and clients with the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee at PRESS and take home a unique, handmade artisan souvenir from Retail Therapy AZ. The launch of these local businesses underscores the Phoenix Convention Center's dedication to collaborating with local enterprises, in partnership with its exclusive retail and food and beverage provider, Aventura Catering.
This year also marks the 95th anniversary of the historic Orpheum Theatre and with the celebration comes maintenance to the theatre, including new seats and an effort to switch out the existing lighting system.
“We are grateful for all that 2023 brought us, and all that we accomplished together, and are looking forward to the successes of 2024,” Harper said.