1992-2025. That's how long the Austin Convention Center served Austin. Well, it's technically still open until April, when it will close to make way for a new, $1.6 billion facility.

At 33 years old, the convention center is younger than the median Austinite, but residents have had decades to make memories inside.

Let's talk about the history of the building, and while we're at it, share your memories of the Austin Convention Center with us and we may include them in an upcoming newsletter.

City Editors Figi and Morgan stopped by the Austin Convention Center on the final day of SXSW to walk through one last time. | Photo by ATXtoday

The grand opening

The Austin Convention Center opened with a bang, hosting five days of partying, entertainment, and programming in July of 1992.

The center's opening was a big deal, as the city was in need of a place that could host 500,000+ guests amid Austin's rapid growth as a tourist destination.

Do you remember the grand opening of the Austin Convention Center? | Clipping from the Austin American-Statesman via newspapers.com

With proximity to I-35 and ~12,000 hotel rooms within a one-mile radius, the Austin Convention Center became a hub for major events, namely the home base of SXSW.

The festival of all things art, culture, and learning was first held in the Austin Convention Center in 1993 (aka its sixth festival). Prior to the new convention center, SXSW was held in hotel ballrooms.

That year, the festival showcased Austin musician Roky Erikson, Texas Governor Ann Richards, and singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb.

It's not just a convention center

The 365,000-sqft facility is more than just an exhibition hall — it's been much-needed space during nationwide catastrophes.

Folks who have been here since 2020 may remember when the Austin Convention Center served as a field hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, 20 years ago, the convention center served as an official shelter for Hurricane Katrina evacuees and received a visit from Vice President Dick Cheney.

Psst — make sure you follow ATXtoday on Instagram to keep tabs on the Austin Convention Center project. | Photo by ATXtoday

Growing with Austin

The convention center was certified LEED Gold in November 2011, meaning the building implements sustainable practices like water and energy conservation.

After just 10 years in operation, the convention center underwent an expansion that opened in 2002. The city began planning its next expansion — the one that will begin next month — in 2015.

Don't forget to share your memories of the Austin Convention Center with us so we can properly bid the building farewell.