The Arena, formerly the Dallas Memorial Auditorium, anchors our venue's campus. Designed by famed architect George Dahl and opened in 1957, it has played host to countless events, from iconic concerts like The Beatles, The Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, and Queen to serving as the home of the ABA Dallas Chaparrals/Texas Chaparrals, now the San Antonio Spurs. Slated to undergo renovation, the Arena will be the home of the Dallas Wings starting in 2026.

The facility was expanded in 1973, debuting as the Dallas Convention Center and adding two exhibit halls and meeting space.

Building C, encompassing Exhibit Hall C, the C ballrooms, and C meeting rooms, was added to the Dallas Convention Center inventory in 1984.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Convention Center Station was constructed under the facility's west wing, connecting the Red and Blue light rail lines.

Buildings D, E, and F were added, encompassing three exhibit halls, two levels of meeting space, and ballrooms. At this time, Exhibit Hall F was the largest column-free exhibit space in the world.

The Omni Dallas Hotel was connected to the Dallas Convention Center by skybridge.

The Dallas Convention Center was renamed after former US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Dallas voters approved the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan, which set the course for building a new and expanded convention center.

"The expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas is more than the renovation or reconstruction of the convention center. It is an opportunity to re-envision downtown Dallas, reconnecting downtown to its southern neighborhoods and ensuring growth in the retail, restaurant, and housing sectors. In short, the project is a long-term economic development initiative for the city that will resonate for years to come."

Rosa Fleming, Executive Director, City of Dallas – Convention and Event Services

Learn more about the KBHCCD master plan at dallasccmasterplan.com.