The Phoenix Convention Center is considering expanding its south building, adding a hotel and creating a new entertainment district to make it a more competitive draw and to lure visitors downtown.
The City recently requested an update from Convention Sports & Leisure International on a needs assessment report it had commissioned in 2020.
Convention Sports & Leisure International’s John Kaatz told the City’s Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee in an Oct. 26 meeting that Phoenix is a mid-level contender for convention opportunities but has the chance to improve with the right investments.
Kaatz’s three main recommendations are expanding the south building by another 150KSF in the upper exhibit hall, adding 800-1,200 convention hotel rooms in the next five years, and identifying opportunities for a 24/7 walkable district near the Center with amenities and nighttime activities.
Phoenix Convention Center currently ranks 14th out of 26 comparable markets in terms of nearby hotel inventory.
Kaatz said the improvements would benefit both visitors and year-round residents.
The Subcommittee voted to hire experts to plan an entertainment district as an intermediate step and adopted the recommendations for expansion and adding rooms as part of its future planning guidance.
Kaatz noted a public-private partnership could be an ideal environment for advancing the Center’s expansion. (Source)
