Authorities in Los Angeles want to bring the LA Convention Center into the 21st century. The venue is old. It was built in the 1970s and hasn’t kept up with the needs of modern, big conventions.
In fact, LACC is split in two. It has two main halls (South and West) – but they’re not connected. Big conventions require open, connected spaces, and the trend is to “make it bigger”. Authorities predict they could double revenues from the centre with an upgrade.
But the project has taken a long time to materialise.
The pandemic – and wildfires Plans to expand and modernise the centre have been floating around for over a decade. Then, just when the city was getting serious about renovation in 2020, the pandemic hit, and plans were paused. More recently, the January 2025 Palisades fire diverted city resources, delaying the project further.
Wildfires LA 2025Money has also been a big issue. The renovation will cost over $2bn, and LA’s city budget is already stretched. In 2025, it faces a $1bn deficit.
The Olympics have added to the pressure. With LA hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics, the convention centre is set to house fencing and table tennis.
Back on track Early in 2025, analysts warned that the renovation might not happen at all. Now, it’s back on track. In April 2025, the LA City Council approved $27.7m to move the design work forward – a sign they’re serious about the development.
Currently, construction is slated to begin in September 2025, with a pause during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Los Angeles Convention Center exteriorA final vote on the full renovation plan is expected in July 2025.
