Los Angeles Begins $2.6B Convention Center Expansion Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Los Angeles has officially commenced the $2.6 billion expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center to prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aiming to revitalize downtown and boost the local economy. The project will add significant new spaces including 190,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, meeting rooms, and a rooftop ballroom, and is expected to create over 15,000 jobs while generating substantial tax revenue and visitor spending. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the project's importance for economic growth and global competitiveness, while the city is also enhancing security and mental health support in the area during construction. The expansion will be completed in phases, pausing during the Olympics and continuing through 2029, with the center hosting several Olympic events. During the groundbreaking ceremony, City Councilmember Curren Price experienced a medical emergency but was reported stable and conscious. The project has been years in the making and reflects a broad coalition of labor, business, and community stakeholders committed to modernizing the convention center to accommodate larger conventions and attract international events.