FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Ruth Ruiz, (714) 765-5060 office, (714) 420-7797 mobile
ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER APPROVED FOR SEVENTH EXPANSION
Revenue generated from additional conventions and tourists will benefit residents citywide
ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 12, 2014) The Anaheim Convention Center, LEED certified and the largest convention center on the west coast, was approved for its seventh expansion project at last night’s City Council meeting, which further solidifies the venue as one of the premiere convention centers in the country.
The expansion will include 200,000 square feet of flexible multi-purpose space at the north end of the Convention Center campus (off Katella Ave.), a climate controlled connection to the existing facility and the replacement of 1,400 car park stalls. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2016.
This expansion will allow the City to remain a leader in the ever expanding field of convention venues and destinations, without increasing debt service to the City or the General Fund. Without this expansion project, the Anaheim Convention Center risks losing business, and losing revenue to support city services. The Anaheim Resort generates nearly 50% of General Fund taxes, which are returned back to the City for community use, such as public safety, parks and libraries. The Anaheim Convention Center is one of the pillars of The Anaheim Resort, which directly and indirectly supports the livability of residents citywide.
Built in 1967, the Anaheim Convention Center propelled the City into the convention and meeting industry, and was a key factor in putting Anaheim on the map as a year-round destination. The Anaheim Convention Center soon thereafter expanded, due to demand for Anaheim amenities, great southern California weather, and accompanying sports and entertainment venues. The convention business continues to be a successful economic engine and a key element in supporting the City’s General Fund and core city services.
Funding this expansion project is made possible in large part due to the creation of the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID). The ATID, approved in 2010, is a self-assessment district of the hotels in The Anaheim Resort and Platinum Triangle.
In related action, the City Council approved Turner Construction and Populous Architects as the design-build firm to construct this large-scale project.
For more information on the Anaheim Convention Center expansion, please visit www.anaheim.net/ACCexpansion to view images, City Council presentations, and more.
For more information on the City of Anaheim, please visit www.anaheim.net.
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ABOUT ANAHEIM –The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation’s premier municipalities and is one of California’s most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 346,000 residents and more than 2,900 City employees. The municipal corporation’s annual budget is $1.6 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team, and the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.