Austin Convention Center

What to know

Originally opened on July 4, 1992, after being built from 1989 to 1992, the Austin Convention Center has been a downtown staple for decades. It underwent expansions and renovations in 1999, 2002, 2010, and 2011. Historically, the center welcomed over 300,000 visitors annually, serving as the primary home base for the world-famous South by Southwest festival, as well as hosting local sports teams like the Texas Rollergirls and the Austin Toros. Today, the center is closed for construction as part of a massive, planned expansion and redevelopment project. With a contract valued at $1.26 billion, this redevelopment is scheduled for completion in December 2028. The project is funded entirely by the Hotel Occupancy Tax and convention center revenues, requiring no property taxes from local residents. The ambitious redesign will nearly double the center's rentable space to 124,000 square feet. Beyond size, the project is on track to become the first zero-carbon certified convention center in the world through the International Living Futures Institute. Additionally, the construction will reopen 2nd and 3rd Streets to pedestrians and vehicles, effectively reconnecting the east and west sides of Austin and transforming the southeast corner of downtown into a community-centric destination. Spanning six blocks at 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, the facility sits in the heart of downtown Austin, just eight miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It is highly accessible from Interstate 35 and Loop 1. The surrounding area features over 14,000 hotel rooms within a one-mile radius, and while the main facility is currently closed, its nearby parking garages—including the 2nd Street and 5th Street garages—provide over 1,600 cashless parking spaces.

Visitor tips

• The main convention center building is currently closed for a major redevelopment project and is expected to reopen in December 2028.
• If using the nearby 2nd Street or 5th Street parking garages, keep in mind they are cashless and only accept credit or debit cards.
• Take advantage of flat-rate weekend parking for $15 on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the municipal garages.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of downtown Austin at 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, the convention center is surrounded by a bustling district featuring over 14,000 hotel rooms within a single mile. Its location offers easy access to Interstate 35 and Loop 1, making it a central anchor for visitors exploring the surrounding downtown entertainment districts.