Fort Worth Convention Center
| Company type | Public facility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Convention center, Arena |
| Predecessor | Tarrant County Convention Center |
| Founded | September 30, 1968 in Fort Worth, Texas, United States |
| Headquarters | Fort Worth , United States |
Area served | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Products | Convention and event space, indoor arena |
| Owner | City of Fort Worth (since 1997) |
| Website | www |
The Fort Worth Convention Center, previously known as the Tarrant County Convention Center, is a multi-purpose convention facility and indoor arena situated in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Since its inauguration on September 30, 1968, the venue has seen several expansions, notably in 1983, 2002, and 2003.
Background
Initially proposed in 1961 to rival the Dallas Convention Center and receiving approval in 1967, this complex was developed on more than 14 city blocks that were once called "Hell's Half Acre." The structure is distinguished by its indoor arena featuring a unique flying saucer architectural style. Ownership transferred to the City of Fort Worth in 1997, which subsequently renamed it the Fort Worth Convention Center. The JFK Theatre was torn down in 2000 to make way for the Water Garden Events Plaza.
In 2014, plans emerged to demolish the aging arena to facilitate an expansion of meeting areas. This initiative was formally approved by the Fort Worth City Council in January 2020. The redevelopment includes removing the arena, realigning Commerce Street, building a hotel with 1,000 rooms, and adding more than 50,000 square feet of exhibition space. Construction was slated to begin in either 2022 or 2023.
Notable events
Ike & Tina Turner appeared at the Tarrant County Convention Center Arena on March 11, 1972.
Elvis Presley delivered several performances there: on June 18, 1972; twice on June 15 and 16, 1974; and again on June 3 and July 3, 1976.
Portions of the concert film Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones were filmed during two concerts held on June 24, 1972, as part of the Rolling Stones American Tour 1972.
Bob Dylan featured in his significant "comeback tour" with a concert on January 25, 1974, followed by shows on May 16, 1976, and November 24, 1978.
The North American segment of the Wings Over the World tour by Paul McCartney and Wings commenced at this arena on May 3, 1976.
During their Hotel California Tour from 1976 to 1978, Eagles sold out three concerts here on November 3, 1976, and July 7–8, 1977.
Pink Floyd performed at the venue on May 1, 1977, as part of their In the Flesh (Pink Floyd tour).
Although originally scheduled for February 27 as the opening date of the Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1977, their concert was postponed and held on May 22, 1977.
On July 28, 1978, Bob Marley and The Wailers appeared during their Kaya Tour.
The Bee Gees launched their Spirits Having Flown Tour here on June 28, 1979; this event was recorded for The Bee Gees Special, broadcast later that year.
U2 played two sold-out shows on November 23–24, 1987, during their Joshua Tree tour; footage from these concerts was included in the documentary "Rattle and Hum."
The concert video Cunning Stunts by Metallica was filmed at this center over May 9–10, 1997.
A campaign rally featuring then-presidential candidate Donald Trump took place at the venue on February 26, 2016.
South Korean boy band BTS performed two shows here on September 15–16, 2018 as part of their Love Yourself Tour.
On May 8, 2019, South Korean girl group Blackpink held a concert during their In Your Area World Tour.
Sports
- Texas Chaparrals (ABA) (1970–1971)
- Fort Worth Fire (CHL) (1992–1999)
- Fort Worth Brahmas (WPHL/CHL) (1997–2006)
- Fort Worth Cavalry (AFL) (1994)
- Fort Worth Flyers (NBA D-League) (2005–2007)
- North Texas Bulls (AAL/AFA) (2021–2022)
Between 1970 and 1971, the arena was the home court for the Texas Chaparrals competing in the ABA. During the 1990s, it accommodated ice hockey franchises such as the Fort Worth Fire and Fort Worth Brahmas, in addition to hosting the AFL’s Fort Worth Cavalry. From 2005 through 2007, the facility served as the base for the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA Development League. More recently, in 2020, it was the venue for the North Texas Bulls representing the American Arena League.
The venue also gained recognition by hosting the notable 1992 Davis Cup final, where Team USA triumphed over Switzerland.
In 2018, the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC) selected this convention center to hold its 30th annual National Championships.