With sleek new designs featuring expanded exhibition halls and modernized facilities, the project is expected to draw larger conventions
Crews broke ground Friday on a long-awaited expansion and modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center, a project poised to reshape the city’s downtown core.
The overhaul, greenlit by the City Council on Sept. 24, after more than a decade of debate, aims to transform the aging convention center into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting major global events. With sleek new designs featuring expanded exhibition halls and modernized facilities, the project is expected to draw larger conventions, increase tourism revenue, and create thousands of unionized construction and permanent jobs, according to city projections.
The expansion comes as Los Angeles prepares to host high-profile events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, which are expected to spotlight the city internationally.
To address broader downtown challenges during construction, the city has rolled out measures to enhance safety and cleanliness. The Los Angeles Police Department has deployed dedicated foot and bike patrols in areas like the Historic Core, aiming to curb crime and reassure visitors. Mental health response teams are also patrolling key neighborhoods to address homelessness and public safety concerns.
The expansion is expected to unfold over several years, with city leaders framing it as a critical step toward restoring Downtown Los Angeles as a vibrant hub for commerce, culture, and community engagement.