Fort Worth officials are proceeding with design planning for Phase 2 of the Fort Worth Convention Center expansion. This comes on the heels of Fort Worth voters approving a 2% increase to the hotel occupancy tax that will help fund the project.

Long story short

Proposition A passed on May 4 increasing the Fort Worth’s hotel occupancy tax rate from 15% to 17%. According to a city news release, the city expects that 2% increase to help meet future obligations including:
  • Funding Phase 2 of the convention center expansion project
  • Funding of ongoing capital needs at the Will Rogers Memorial Center
  • Annual funding for Visit Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Herd
Quote of note

“Prop A will fund Phase 2 of the convention center expansion to transform our downtown and meet demand for meetings business that bolsters our $3 billion tourism economy, “ said Mike Crum, director of the city’s public events department. “We’re grateful to all who turned out to support this crucial step forward.”

What you need to know




In terms of the convention center expansion schedule, here are important dates to remember for Phase 1, according to the news release:
  • Winter 2024—annex demolition
  • Winter 2024-25—new southeast entrance, catering kitchen complete
  • Spring-Fall 2025—loading dock construction
  • Spring 2026—Phase 1 construction complete
Phase 2 key dates include the following:
  • Spring 2025—design begins
  • Fall 2026—construction begins
  • Early 2027—arena demolition
  • 2030—construction slated to end