Ever wondered what stories lie within a building hosting over 100 events per year? That’s the Tampa Convention Center for you. Today, we’ll uncover the layers of history and vibrant activity that define this iconic downtown Tampa landmark.
The Tampa Convention Center is a medium-sized convention center in downtown Tampa. It sits right where the Hillsborough River meets Tampa Bay. You get amazing views of the water and the city skyline from here. The TECO Line Streetcar connects the center to Channelside District and Ybor City.
Before this center stood here, this land was Fort Brooke. It was the first American outpost on Tampa Bay, established in 1824. Tampa grew slowly around Fort Brooke, even through two Seminole Wars and the Civil War. The Army decommissioned the fort in 1883. The land was then sold for private use.
The area held various businesses until the late 1980s. Then, the city cleared it to build a new convention center. It was meant to replace the older Curtis Hixon Hall. Construction of the Tampa Convention Center started in 1989. The city paid $140 million by selling municipal bonds. The Tampa Convention Center finally opened its doors in October 1990.
The original plans included a large hotel next to the Tampa Convention Center. But, financial issues delayed that part of the project. In 2000, the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel opened. It was the city’s largest hotel at the time, located just a block away. A 20-story Embassy Suites hotel opened across Franklin Street in 2006. A skybridge connects it directly to the Tampa Convention Center. In 2022 the JW Marriott Waterstreet Tampa was opened, completing the Convention Center square.
Inside, the Tampa Convention Center boasts 600,000 square feet of total space. There is a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall. The ballroom can host over 2,000 guests. Plus, there are 36 meeting rooms that can change sizes.
The Tampa Convention Center has played host to some major events. It was the media center for the 2012 Republican National Convention. That event took place at the Tampa Bay Times Forum nearby. You can also find the yearly Tampa Bay Comic Con and anime convention MetroCon here. The Florida Bar Exam is also held here.
As you explore the Tampa Convention Center, remember its past. From a military fort to a modern hub, it reflects Tampa’s growth. The Tampa Convention Center is more than just a building. It’s a place where the city meets. It is a place where events come to life. And a place where the past informs the future.