Remembering the history of the Austin Convention Center

Join us in bidding adieu to the Austin Convention Center, which will be demolished next month to make way for a bigger facility for our growing city.

The exterior of the Austin Convention Center with a brick facade, large windows, and a digital sign displaying information about SXSW Flatstock. Trees line the sidewalk, and orange traffic cones are placed along the street. A person stands near the curb, and a white shuttle bus is parked nearby. — Share your memories of the Austin Convention Center with us and we might include them in an upcoming newsletter.

1992-2025. That’s how long the Austin Convention Center served Austin. Well, it’s technically still open until April, when it will close to make way for a new, $1.6 billion facility.

At 33 years old, the convention center is younger than the median Austinite, but residents have had decades to make memories inside.

Let’s talk about the history of the building, and while we’re at it, share your memories of the Austin Convention Center with us and we may include them in an upcoming newsletter.

A circular atrium in the Austin Convention Center with tall limestone walls, a high domed ceiling with metal supports, and multiple small windows allowing natural light. Glass and metal art pieces are mounted on the walls, and a staircase with a limestone railing leads to an upper level. Large glass doors provide access to the outside. — City Editors Figi and Morgan stopped by the Austin Convention Center on the final day of SXSW to walk through one last time.

The grand opening

The Austin Convention Center opened with a bang, hosting five days of partying, entertainment, and programming in July of 1992.

The center’s opening was a big deal, as the city was in need of a place that could host 500,000+ guests amid Austin’s rapid growth as a tourist destination.

A clipping of the Austin American-Statesman article announcing Austin Convention Center programming that ran in 1992. — Do you remember the grand opening of the Austin Convention Center?

With proximity to I-35 and ~12,000 hotel rooms within a one-mile radius, the Austin Convention Center became a hub for major events, namely the home base of SXSW.

The festival of all things art, culture, and learning was first held in the Austin Convention Center in 1993 (aka its sixth festival). Prior to the new convention center, SXSW was held in hotel ballrooms.

That year, the festival showcased Austin musician Roky Erikson, Texas Governor Ann Richards, and singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb.

It’s not just a convention center

The 365,000-sqft facility is more than just an exhibition hall — it’s been much-needed space during nationwide catastrophes.

Folks who have been here since 2020 may remember when the Austin Convention Center served as a field hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, 20 years ago, the convention center served as an official shelter for Hurricane Katrina evacuees and received a visit from Vice President Dick Cheney.

A spacious hallway in the Austin Convention Center with modern carpeting, recessed lighting, and large windows on one side. The walls feature a series of colorful, nature-inspired vertical paintings. Several round and rectangular tables with black chairs are arranged throughout the area, and a fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall. — Psst — make sure you follow ATXtoday on Instagram to keep tabs on the Austin Convention Center project.

Growing with Austin

The convention center was certified LEED Gold in November 2011, meaning the building implements sustainable practices like water and energy conservation.

After just 10 years in operation, the convention center underwent an expansion that opened in 2002. The city began planning its next expansion — the one that will begin next month — in 2015.

Don’t forget to share your memories of the Austin Convention Center with us so we can properly bid the building farewell.

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