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.