New Austin Convention Center

Planned

The new Austin Convention Center is a $1.6 billion project designed to replace the old facility with a modern space that reflects Austin's outdoor culture and urban vibe. It will have about 70% more rentable space, totaling 620,000 square feet, including a ballroom overlooking Waller Creek and approximately 70,000 square feet of outdoor event space with terraces and a public square. The design includes underground exhibit and meeting halls to maximize natural lighting and outdoor space, reconnects city streets through the site, and incorporates materials like mass timber and limestone to blend with the city's character. The project aims to attract bigger conferences and events, with demolition of the old center underway and construction expected to start in December 2025, targeting an opening in time for the 2029 Spring festival and convention season.