Opening in 1957 as the Dallas Memorial Auditorium, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (KBHCC) (650 S. Griffin Street) has gone through multiple expansions and a few name changes throughout the decades. Renamed the Dallas Convention Center in the 70s, the center’s final name came in 2013, in honor of former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. The venue is currently undergoing major changes as part of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan, a renovation and reconstruction that will not involve just the convention center, but affect the whole of downtown Dallas’ retail, restaurant, and housing sectors.
With deconstruction ongoing, numbers for the facility are in flux, but as of this writing the website lists 622,814 square feet of exhibit space, two ballrooms, and 64 meeting rooms. The masterplan, expected to finish in 2029, lists an impressive 2.1 million square feet total, with 750,000 square feet of exhibit space, 180,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and a 105,000 square foot ballroom. KBHCC is certainly aiming to be one of the largest and most versatile convention centers in the nation.
Architecturally, the current center reflects Dallas’s spirit of modernity and innovation. Its sweeping design and expansive glass façades offer panoramic views of the downtown skyline. The venue connects directly to the 1,001-room Omni Dallas Hotel via a skybridge, giving attendees seamless access to accommodations, dining, and entertainment. The facility also features multiple LEED-certified areas, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainable development and energy efficiency.
Historically, the original auditorium, as well as the convention center, has hosted big events including the Beatles in 1964, the Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Prince (twice over 20 years), Madonna, and more. It has served as an emergency shelter for refugees of hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. This year KBHCC will be the International Broadcast Center for the FIFA World Cup and has been the home of Fan Expo Dallas since 2014.
As Texas grows as a state, Dallas reflects and benefits from that growth, and KBHCC is just one great part of it. (And not just KBHCC, see our Austin sidebar).
EAT
Monarch (1401 Elm St), a wood fired, modern Italian restaurant, is less than 15 minutes’ walk from the convention center in The National, with incredible skyline views. Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant delivers luxury dining with dishes such as handmade pasta dishes, wagyu beef, and fresh seafood. Website www.monarchrestaurants.com.
In Dallas’ historic West End, RJ Mexican Cuisine (1701 N. Market St) is less than a mile north of the convention center. This Dallas favorite handcrafted regional Mexican dishes, such as tequila lime chicken, brisket tacos, Mexican cheesesteak, and seafood enchiladas. Website www.rjmexicancuisine.com.
SLEEP
Famed for its LED lighting on the exterior facade, the Omni Dallas Hotel (555 S. Lamar St) is covered in more than 2,200 tubes, each of which houses three 3-foot-long LED fixtures (that’s four miles of lights). The hotel connects directly to the convention center via skybridge, making it the most convenient option for attendees. 1,001 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows deliver plenty of views overlooking downtown. Website www.omnihotels.com/hotels/dallas.
Aloft Dallas Downtown (1033 Young St) offers boutique comfort in a repurposed Art Deco warehouse, just a short walk to the convention center. The hotel combines vintage charm with modern design, featuring open-loft rooms, 14-foot ceilings, and a vibrant lobby bar. Website www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/daldl-aloft-dallas-downtown.
PLAY
Speaking of Pioneer Plaza (1428 Young St), the historic Texas exhibit is just across from the convention center. Home to one of the largest bronze monument installations in the world, you’ll see 49 bronze steers and three trail riders commemorating Dallas’s cowboy heritage. It’s a scenic, open air spot to relax and enjoy a break between meetings. Website www.visitdallas.com/directory/pioneer-plaza.
Image by Justin Treveen
