Dallas Convention Center Prepares for Major Renovation & FIFA World Cup

The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (KBHCC) is set for a massive transformation as Dallas prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Before construction begins this summer, the venue is hosting one of its final major events—the DISTRIBUTECH Conference, which has brought nearly 20,000 attendees from the energy industry to the city.

Final Events Before Construction
Major events will continue at KBHCC until June 2025, including Fan Expo Dallas, which will draw thousands of sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming fans. However, starting in July, work will begin to upgrade the facility into the International Broadcast Center (IBC) for the World Cup. These upgrades are expected to continue until January 2026, just ahead of the tournament.

The Dallas City Council has approved up to $15 million in convention center upgrades to support the FIFA World Cup, ensuring the venue meets global broadcasting standards.

$3 Billion Renovation Project
Beyond World Cup preparations, KBHCC will undergo a partial demolition and a massive $3 billion expansion. The renovation aims to enhance the convention center’s competitiveness for large-scale global events. The project will also revamp the I-30 Canyon and introduce new hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces, turning the area into a vibrant entertainment district.

Despite the ongoing work, selected areas of the convention center will remain operational for specific events throughout the year. The full transformation is expected to be completed by 2029, with major conferences already booked.