The indoor arena at the Fort Worth Convention Center is preparing for its final event on September 20, 2026. The city plans to demolish the structure in 2027 to make way for a new expansion project. Construction on the replacement facility is expected to be completed by 2030.
The arena, which opened in late 1968, has served as a major venue for North Texas for nearly six decades. It was originally the largest arena in the region. The city stated that the renovation has been long overdue to meet growing demand for larger conventions and events.
Gina Castillo, a field operations supervisor at the convention center, has worked at the site for nearly 30 years. She described the building as a significant part of her life and expressed anticipation for the future upgrades. Castillo noted that the new facility will allow for larger conventions that could have a greater economic impact on the city.
Terry White, a resident of Prosper, has collected memorabilia from the venue for over 50 years. He recently donated items, including a 1975 Eric Clapton ticket, to the Fort Worth History Center. White stated that physical tickets are rare in the digital age and that the items hold historical value. He acknowledged that the 60-year-old building needed upgrades.
