The Austin Convention Center is reaching its final days as doors officially closed on Tuesday, April 1 in preparation for demolition.
To bid the building adieu, we did a final walk-through of the space on the final day of SXSW 2025, and took a look back at its history.
You helped us say goodbye to the Austin Convention Center by sharing some of your memories.
Editor’s note: Some of these entries have been edited for clarity and brevity.
“I got to watch the convention center being built from a bird’s-eye view. My office was on the east side of 301 Congress in the late 1980s to early 90s, and I could look out the window and see the daily progress. I’ve been there for such a wide variety of events, including basketball games, car shows, college recruiting events, and a drum convention (PASIC).” — Mike D.
“I volunteered with The Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina recovery. To see an 18-wheeler inside really made me realize the enormity of the building. The organization and room after room of displaced families, donated items, cafeteria, FEMA, and pharmacies was amazing. I made friends with one family. We kept in touch for several months.” — Patty G.
“I worked many conventions there, meeting interesting people from all over the country and world and also making good friends forever.” — Sue M.
“I worked for the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when the Austin Convention Center opened. Prior to its opening, VA held an annual conference at the Hyatt and other area hotels, but we had to limit the number of attendees due to capacity constraints. The new convention center was a welcome upgrade.” — Anonymous
“Akins High School 2010 prom was at the Austin Convention Center!” — Candace L.
“I still think of this as a new addition to Downtown. Did prom here back in ’96... wow.” — Chad B.
“The Lone Star Volleyball tournament in 1999 is what inspired my dream to live in Austin. I’ve been here 25 years now. Farewell, Austin Convention Center.” — Tricia L.
It’s just goodbye for now — take a peek at the new Austin Convention Center plans.
