Los Angeles Convention Center
The Los Angeles Convention Center opened its doors in 1971. Architect Charles Luckman designed the original structure as a rectangular building. It sat between Pico Boulevard and 11th Street on Figueroa Street. The northeast portion of this center was demolished in 1997 to make way for the Staples Center. Subsequent expansions occurred in 1981, 1993, and 1997. James Ingo Freed designed the Convention Center Annex with green glass and white steel frames. This annex sits mainly on the south side of Pico. Artist Alexis Smith installed two large multicolor maps of inlaid terrazzo in 1993. One map covers the main lobby floor showing the world centered on the Pacific Rim. The other map covers the upstairs lobby floor showing constellations around the north celestial pole.
A tornado struck the facility on the 1st of March 1983. Damage occurred to the roof and upper-level panels during that event. Repairs were completed and new convention center lettering signs were installed at a total cost of $3 million. On the 15th of September 2008, the convention center achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. It became the first in the U.S. to receive this designation for existing buildings from the United States Green Building Council. The building also holds the distinction of being the first Los Angeles City building of its age and size to earn this status. This achievement marked a significant milestone for sustainable practices within large civic structures across the nation.
The area in front of the convention center is known as the Gilbert Lindsay Plaza. A monument honoring "The Emperor of the Great 9th District" was unveiled in 1995. Councilman Gilbert Lindsay represented the Downtown area of Los Angeles for several years. He served on the City Council for 27 years before his death. The drive between Figueroa Street and the convention center building bears his name. Larry Gordon wrote about the tribute in the Los Angeles Times on the 31st of March 1995. The artwork honors the late councilman who was a powerful player on the City Council. His legacy remains visible in the plaza that fronts the massive structure.
The facility hosts annual events such as the Los Angeles Auto Show and Anime Expo. During Grammy Week, the center typically hosts several events leading up to the awards ceremony. Since 2005, it has hosted the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute two days prior to the main event. The 2021 awards were held inside and around the convention center due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Los Angeles Sparks played 11 of their 16 home games during the 2021 WNBA season there. Limited seating configurations drew an average of 1,144 spectators per game. Electronic Entertainment Expo ran at the venue from 1995 through 2019 with exceptions in 1997, 1998, and 2007. That video game trade event was eventually discontinued in 2023 following industry shifts caused by the pandemic.
A proposal developed in 2015 included a new convention hall called LACOEX connected to the south hall. The January 2025 Southern California wildfires impacted plans for the expansion of the convention center. Expansion could start in the years prior to the 2028 Olympics with a brief pause before the games resume afterwards. The goal is a 2029 completion date for the project. It will cost approximately $2.2 billion to expand and renovate the facility. The city council approved the expansion plans in September of 2025 allowing work to move forward. The expansion will add 190,000 square feet of exhibition hall space plus 55,000 square feet of meeting rooms. An additional 95,000 square feet of multi-purpose space will also be created. Five sports including Fencing and Judo will take place there during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When did the Los Angeles Convention Center open its doors?
The Los Angeles Convention Center opened its doors in 1971. Architect Charles Luckman designed the original structure as a rectangular building that sat between Pico Boulevard and 11th Street on Figueroa Street.
Who designed the Los Angeles Convention Center Annex with green glass and white steel frames?
James Ingo Freed designed the Convention Center Annex with green glass and white steel frames. This annex sits mainly on the south side of Pico.
What happened to the Los Angeles Convention Center roof during the tornado on the 1st of March 1983?
Damage occurred to the roof and upper-level panels when a tornado struck the facility on the 1st of March 1983. Repairs were completed and new convention center lettering signs were installed at a total cost of $3 million.
Which event ran at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 1995 through 2019 before being discontinued in 2023?
Electronic Entertainment Expo ran at the venue from 1995 through 2019 with exceptions in 1997, 1998, and 2007. That video game trade event was eventually discontinued in 2023 following industry shifts caused by the pandemic.
How much will it cost to expand and renovate the Los Angeles Convention Center project scheduled for completion in 2029?
It will cost approximately $2.2 billion to expand and renovate the facility. The city council approved the expansion plans in September of 2025 allowing work to move forward toward the goal of a 2029 completion date.