“Seven million square feet!” the man beside me exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe as we stood before the Orange County Convention Center. “Can you believe this place?” His astonishment was understandable. The Orange County Convention Center is a titan in the world of convention centers, the second largest in the United States. This architectural marvel, a hub of activity and innovation, first opened its doors in 1983.
It began its life as the Orange County Convention and Civic Center. The original building, known as the West Concourse, even housed an 11,300-seat arena. Imagine that, massive concerts right here! Legends like Madonna, Tina Turner, and Aerosmith once graced that very stage. While the arena closed in 1992, the space lives on, transformed into the main exhibition hall we see a part of today.
Over the years, the Orange County Convention Center has constantly grown and evolved, embracing new technologies and expanding its footprint. Today, it boasts a jaw-dropping 2,100,000 square feet of exhibit space, enough to hold countless events, trade shows, and gatherings. One of its most fascinating features is the rooftop solar array on the North/South Building. This massive array, spanning the size of four football fields, speaks volumes about the Center’s commitment to sustainability. It’s not just a building; it’s an economic powerhouse! The Orange County Convention Center draws in approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. Think of the energy, the excitement! All those people contribute an estimated $2.5 billion to the Central Florida economy each year.