VIP Ribbon Cutting celebrates $95 million in upgrades, modernization
he City of Fort Worth will celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the Fort Worth Convention Center expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony and VIP reception in the new Beltbuckle Brew coffee bar, proudly serving Starbucks®.
WHAT: Fort Worth Convention Center Phase 1 expansion ribbon cutting
Phase 1 is a $95 million project begun in 2023. Totaling 76,794 square feet, the first phase includes new state-of-the-art food & beverage facilities, demolition of the annex, addition of a lightbox atrium southeast entrance and terrace, additional loading docks and realignment of Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future convention hotel.
The project places emphasis on increasing pedestrian access and improving the area’s walkability and connection to the surrounding neighborhood.
WHO: Remarks by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; City Councilmember Elizabeth Beck; Visit Fort Worth CEO Bob Jameson; and City Public Events Director Mike Crum.
Also cutting the ribbon:
Fort Worth City Manager Jay Chapa
Assistant City Manager Jes McEachern
David Crabtree, Broaddus & Associates
Micheal Bennett, Bennett Partners
Lei Gao, TVS Design
Brian Duncan, Project Executive, Hunt-Byrne-Smith Construction (joint venture)
WHERE: 1300 Commerce St. at Water Gardens Plaza, the southeast corner of the convention center. Parking is available in the Commerce St. garage directly across from the site, or in the Houston St. garage a block west of the center.
WHEN: Monday, December 8, 2025
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Remarks & Ribbon Cutting
9:30 – 10 a.m. Indoor reception, refreshments, tours
VISUALS: Elected officials, business community and architecture / construction executives cutting the official ribbon at the new southeast entrance.
VIPs will be served coffee brews and bites in the new lobby.
Tours of loading docks, new catering kitchen and client tasting room available.
NEXT STEPS: Phase II renderings will be unveiled in February with mobilization for construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026 and complete by early 2030. The venue will continue to remain operational throughout.
