The City of Los Angeles has broken ground on a $2.6 billion expansion and modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), one of the city’s largest civic investments in a generation. The milestone was marked alongside global design firm Populous and project partners, signaling the start of a downtown revival centered on the convention and entertainment district.

The long-awaited expansion will connect the South and West Halls with 190,000 square feet of unobstructed exhibition space over Pico Boulevard. Also planned are a new 98,000-square-foot rooftop ballroom and other features that will put the LACC on the path to becoming a world-class facility capable of competing with first-rate convention destinations worldwide.

City officials put the project’s expected jobs at more than 15,000, its General Fund tax revenue over 30 years at $652 million, and its annual visitor spending above current levels at $150 million.

The design leader, Populous, stated the idea is to move the convention center closer to the adjacent L.A. Live entertainment area as a combined destination that mirrors Los Angeles’ culture and energy.

We’re honored to be working on this journey with the City and our stakeholders as the vision is realized,” said Senior Principal and Project Executive at Populous, Michael Lockwood. “The new LACC will be a world convention leader, and we’re pleased to be contributing to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an iconic American city.”.

Scott Capstack, Populous Senior Principal and Design Director, further added that the project is beyond an addition of physical space.

“This is about envisioning the future of downtown Los Angeles,” he said. “The new Convention Center is not a building—it’s a vision for how design can link people, creativity, and community.”.

Construction will continue with the existing convention center operating. Substantial completion will be achieved in spring 2028, with final delivery in spring 2029, in time to assist with hosting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games for Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Convention Center expansion is one of several major civic projects reshaping the city, alongside roadway improvements now underway at Los Angeles International Airport.

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, California, USA

Project Value: $2.6 billion

Status: Groundbreaking completed, construction underway

Substantial Completion: Spring 2028

Final Delivery: Spring 2029

The expansion and modernization project represents one of Los Angeles’ largest civic infrastructure investments in decades, transforming the LACC into a world-class convention destination.

190,000 square feet of continuous exhibition space

Connects South Hall and West Hall across Pico Boulevard

Creates seamless venue flow for large-scale events

98,000 square feet of premium event space

Enhances venue capacity for high-profile gatherings

Adds signature architectural element to downtown skyline

Strengthened connection with adjacent L.A. Live entertainment district

Creates unified convention and entertainment destination

Reflects Los Angeles culture and urban energy

15,000+ jobs generated during construction and operations

$652 million in General Fund tax revenue over 30 years

$150 million annually in additional visitor spending

Completion aligns with 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles

Positions city as premier global convention and sports destination

Phased Construction: Project designed to maintain operational convention center throughout construction period, minimizing disruption to existing bookings and events.

Operational Continuity: Existing facilities remain functional during expansion work.