Fort Worth Convention Center celebrates nearly 6 decades of history at final community event – Dallas News

Fort Worth Convention Center celebrates nearly 6 decades of history at final community event  Dallas News

Hundreds of spectators entered and exited the Fort Worth Convention Center’s doors Sunday afternoon for the arena’s final event, each person following one of seven colorful painted lines representing a piece of the building's past. The community gathered for a shared cause: to celebrate and honor the convention center’s impact on Fort Worth’s history and welcome its future. The event, named “It’s Goin’ Down,” was held before the arena’s planned demolition in early 2027 to make way for the second phase of a $701 million expansion and modernization. From iconic concerts and religious gatherings to sports events and political campaigns, the center has done it all in its 58 years of operations.

People of all ages lined up inside for custom balloon animals and photo opportunities, taking their pick between statues of a giant silver cowboy boot, a lion and a longhorn. Others weaved through the crowd and stopped only to take a bite of brisket nachos or skim 10 giant historic boards that formed a maze in the arena’s center. Andra Bennett, with the convention center's public events department, said Sunday's turnout exceeded staff expectations and was a true testament to the nostalgia of the arena. The event space has meant so much to many people, she said, and it has played a role in milestone events and generations