The project has achieved several foundational milestones over the last 12 months as the City prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 ^TM and transitions toward the delivery of a transformed convention center district. 

I. FIFA World Cup 2026 ^TM Coordination 

A central focus of 2025 was KBHCCD pre-enabling work sequenced to allow essential foundational works to be completed for the project before the site enters FIFA’s secure operational phase. Halls A, B and C will serve as the official International Broadcast Center (IBC)—operating under strict security protocols as "international territory" from January through August 2026.  

II. 2025 Project Milestone Review 

The 2025 Year-End Review highlights significant progress across all key sectors of the Master Plan: 

• Land Acquisition: The City successfully closed on the strategic acquisition of a portion of the Texas Cable News (TXCN) site, securing the critical footprint needed for the "West of Lamar" expansion.
• Design & Scope Finalization: The project team completed 100% Schematic Design, locking in program requirements and budget parameters to ensure the project remains cost-effective.
• Component 1 Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR): Trinity Alliance’s contract was executed, and they are actively working with the City, Inspire Dallas and Amplify Dallas to move pre-construction and construction activities forward.
• DART Interlocal Agreement (ILA): City Council approved and executed a DART agreement to support the closure of the existing DART station under KBHCCD and rerouting to support the community.  The DART Board approved the agreement on December 9, 2025.
• Decommissioning of KBHCCD Vertiport: FAA approved decommissioning of the existing vertiport.
• Dallas Wings Integration: Design progress on the Dallas Memorial Auditorium (Component 3) advanced significantly. On December 5, the City released preliminary renderings of the venue’s transformation into the future home of the Dallas Wings.
• The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) Relocation: To ensure continuous cultural programming, the City finalized the temporary relocation of TBAAL to the Women’s Museum at Fair Park.
• Construction Draw Approval: On June 11, City Council approved a $1 billion construction draw to complete enabling works and pre-construction.  

III. New Client Bookings 

The delivery of the expanded KBHCCD convention center in 2029 is highly anticipated with Visit Dallas booking 68 definite conventions beyond 2029, representing over 1.17 million room nights and $1.75 billion in future economic impact. These major conventions reinforce Dallas’ top-tier convention status. The City has also been able to secure new types of conventions—such as medical and pharmaceutical groups— that have not considered Dallas in the past. Additionally, there are 101 more events holding future dates and awaiting final plans, representing an additional 1.9 million room nights and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  

More than half of the groups originally targeted for 2029 have signed multi-year agreements with Dallas, and we look forward to welcoming them in subsequent years. Consistent with industry best practices, Visit Dallas is assisting those tentatively booked for 2029 in finding alternative Tier 1 destinations. Most of these clients are familiar with construction cycles and typically choose to avoid an active build year to protect the attendee experience. This is a standard industry precaution—not unique to Dallas—and reflects their desire for predictability, smooth logistics, and a distraction-free environment for their events. 

IV. Master Plan Schedule Update 

"The City of Dallas and its team remain committed to delivering a world-class, forward-looking convention center for our residents, clients and visitors," said Rosa Fleming, Director of Convention and Event Services. "Creating a once-in-a-generation facility that will shape and positively impact our city for decades to come requires thoughtful planning and intentional care."  

With a project of this scale, ongoing coordination with major infrastructure partners is expected. As design progresses and external agency timelines have become clearer, the project team has refined the implementation schedule to reflect the cumulative impacts of work occurring in 2025. These updates ensure the convention center can advance efficiently while aligning with regional construction, transportation, and regulatory requirements. 

Key coordination areas—active throughout 2025 and continuing into 2026—include: 

1. FIFA World Cup 2026 ^TM:  The project team will focus on the "West of Lamar" expansion site allowing progress to continue during the broadcast of the tournament.
2. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) I-30: Coordinate logistics, traffic, and related work with the TxDOT’s massive I-30 Canyon reconstruction project.
3. Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR): Continue collaboration with UPRR for KBHCCD demolition and reconstruction work in-and-around their right-of-way.
4. DART: Continue collaboration with DART on the future KBHCCD mobility hub and renovation and reopening of the existing DART station.
5. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Vertiport: The FAA and the City agreed to the five-year decommissioning of the KBHCCD vertiport, and the relocation of Radio Transition Receiver (RTR) equipment.