Dallas officials say a dispute over redesign plans has delayed the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center expansion until 2030, forcing the relocation of several major events.
The $3.8 billion project, originally slated to open in 2028, now faces its second postponement after city leaders debated road configurations around the facility. City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert notified council members Tuesday night that recent discussions at a transportation committee meeting prompted staff to delay closing Jefferson Boulevard while considering design changes. This setback has raised concerns about the project's management and its potential impact on downtown redevelopment.
The convention center, a key economic driver for the city, has already seen reduced bookings as parts of the facility were prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup media operations. Visit Dallas, the nonprofit marketing the city, warned that further delays could cost $1.4 million in monthly tax revenue and allow competing cities like Houston, Nashville, and Denver to capture business. The group has urged council to set and maintain a firm opening deadline to protect Dallas' reputation in the tourism industry.
Dallas convention center delayed until 2030, losing dozens of potential conventions https://t.co/jPqjkxxyF5
— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) June 17, 2026
Council members first reviewed the full design in May 2025, which included lowering the building's height to cut costs by about $500 million. However, that adjustment conflicted with the Jefferson Boulevard viaduct, a major route connecting Oak Cliff to downtown, sparking commuter concerns.
Voters approved $1.5 billion in bonds in November 2022 for the redevelopment. Demolition began in March, but construction timelines now hinge on council direction. The delay will force nine conventions to relocate and risks about 30 more bookings, according to Visit Dallas CEO Craig Davis.
Tolbert said staff will work with affected clients to reschedule events and preserve credibility with the hospitality sector. The city has 61 conventions booked starting in 2031.
The convention center hosted 74 events in fiscal 2025 but only 24 so far this year, leading to $13.7 million in lost tax revenue and an estimated $92 million not spent in local lodging. More than 3,000 hospitality jobs remain on hold annually.
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