Tampa Convention Center Upgrades Announced
August 28, 2018
Over the next three years the Tampa Convention Center will roll out a series of upgrades and improvements, including new and renovated meeting spaces, as part of a $20 million capital improvement program.
Other work in the project includes a series of new and modernized dining outlets, renovated restrooms, and infrastructure upgrades including more energy efficient windows, lighting, escalators and an HVAC system. A second, larger service elevator is also in the offing. Environmentally friendly paints and materials will be used in the renovation work, including renovated restrooms that will be unveiled in October.
Changes to the dining facilities include the already opened new Starbucks Coffee Bar and Nourish Food Cart. In the spring of 2019, two local Tampa restaurants will open outposts at the convention center, Datz and Big Ray’s Fish Camp. The latter will be in The Sail Plaza, an expanded and shaded outdoor seating area. The exhibit hall concession stands will also be overhauled and modernized.
In May 2020, 18 new waterfront meeting rooms totaling 16,000 square feet will be unveiled overlooking the Hillsborough River, as well as an expansive terrace. Air walls will separate pairs of rooms for more flexibility. Then in February 2021, the convention center’s existing meeting rooms will be renovated with new paint, carpets, and upgraded lighting.