Site Sponsors
Archives
Read past editions of McAllen, Texas magazine.
Local Advertisers
Site Sponsors
Contact Us
Feedback
Let us know your thoughts...
Advertising Info
Need more info? Looking for ad specifications?
Local Advertisers
Recreation
Long-Anticipated McAllen Convention Center Becomes an Instant Landmark
The new McAllen Convention Center has spurred additional development on adjacent parcels of land.
At the long-anticipated‚ newly opened McAllen Convention Center‚ you can cheer at a sporting event‚ rock out at a concert‚ laugh till your sides ache at a comedy show and‚ of course‚ attend a major convention or expo.
Opened in March 2007 after 18 months of construction‚ the McAllen Convention Center boasts more than 174‚000-square-feet of multifunctional space on 18 acres.
“We have an oval park with a beautiful cascading water fountain‚ a band shell and a really nice entrance that greets visitors‚” says Omar Rodriguez‚ director of the McAllen Convention Center. “It’s been fantastic so far. We’ve had more than 170 events since we opened‚ including trade shows‚ concerts‚ conferences and graduation ceremonies.”
The convention center and grounds incorporate elements that reflect the cultural and natural diversity of McAllen‚ with features such as indoor palm trees and a butterfly-shaped crystal chandelier in the 10‚000-square-foot ballroom.
In addition to enriching the quality of life in McAllen by bringing so many events to the city‚ the McAllen Convention Center has provided a boost to the local economy.
“More than 500‚000 square feet of retail development is occurring in the immediate vicinity of the convention center‚ and more than 500 hotel rooms will be built here in the next two years‚” Rodriquez says. “It has been a tremendous stimulant for our city’s economy.”
In 2008‚ the convention center is slated to host a number of boxing events and Rio Grande Valley Silverados games‚ as well as a plethora of other events. To find out what’s happening at the McAllen Convention Center‚ visit www.mcallenconventioncenter.net.
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Wes Aldridge
Additional Recreation Articles
© Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc.
All rights reserved. No portion of this Web site may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.