Lubbock approves conceptual design for convention center renovation, expansion

The city of Lubbock has approved a conceptual design for the Lubbock Memorial Convention Center expansion and renovation project. While the preliminary cost or construction dates have not been released, the approval allows the project to move forward. 

City officials asked for public feedback on the project earlier in April, providing insight into plans to revitalize the facility. The design presented to the City Council featured a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall expansion, highlighting the updated convention center alongside the inclusion of a multipurpose venue. 

While details will be subject to change, plans for the project include building a 20,000-square-foot multipurpose ballroom attached to the exhibit hall. The project may install between 3,500 and 4,000 retractable seats connected to the convention center. The improvements would allow the facility to host large trade shows and arena-scale events, such as indoor soccer, concerts, rodeos and conventions. 

Aside from including several meeting rooms in the design, the city may outfit the exhibit hall with balcony seating and a portable stage. Plans may also feature improvements for the mezzanine, terrace suite and pedestrian mall. 

The project may call for installing a new kitchen area. The city would renovate the banquet hall, turning into a junior ballroom with attached meeting rooms. Conceptual designs call for a headquarters hotel as part of the layout. 

The planned theater would include a dedicated stage, proscenium, orchestra pit, loading door, property room and two forestages. Additional improvements would include sound and lighting systems, dressing rooms, ticket offices, concessions, an intercom system and a fly system. 

In addition, the city would refresh interior finishes, lighting, furnishings and technology while updating wayfinding and digital displays. Plans also include updates to the building’s exterior, refreshing the facade, enhancing entries, creating landscaped outdoor gathering areas and adding 2,400 parking spaces. 

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