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Tampa Convention Center with Tampa skyline behind and water in front

Capital Improvement Projects

Tampa Convention Center building with marina and kayakers
$44.5 million Capital Improvement Plan

Tampa Convention Center completed its largest renovation project in history in 2023: an approximately $44.5 million Capital Improvement Plan resulting in better customer experience, increased efficiency, and cost savings.

Completed Projects

New Waterfront Meeting Rooms


Spanning 18,000 square feet, a two-level addition to the Tampa Convention Center provides 18 new meeting rooms overlooking the Hillsborough River. Room pairs include air walls for increased flexibility for meetings and events. The new waterfront rooms are accompanied by a terrace offering expansive views and outdoor event space. A set of new restrooms and a second service elevator were added to advance facility operations and event needs for this expansion.

Renovated Meeting Rooms


Existing meeting space at the Tampa Convention Center was updated, including new carpet, paint, new air wall fabric, and upgraded lighting.

Renovated Ballrooms


Existing Ballrooms have undergone updates including new carpet, paint, new air wall fabric, and upgraded lighting

Renovated Restrooms


The Convention Center has fully upgraded 15 restrooms with wall-to-wall large-format modern tile, integrated sinks, stainless steel touchless fixtures, backlit mirrors, and much more. Attendees will find the restrooms extremely functional and beautiful.

Street Eats


Located in the Food Court of the Rotunda, Street Eats is a customizable concession stand offering street food-style dishes. The menu changes depending on the event, ranging from Mexican food like tacos, to Asian food, to American street food.

Taste of Tampa


Located in the Food Court of the Rotunda, Taste of Tampa is a customizable concession stand offering traditional Tampa foods like Cuban Sandwiches.

Starbucks Coffee Bar


Take a break to grab a coffee or meet with fellow attendees at this new Coffee Bar. Enjoy freshly brewed Starbucks coffee products and snacks in a casual café-style setting. Conveniently located adjacent to Exhibit Halls, the Coffee Bar will be replacing the existing Ybor Café. The perfect spot to refuel.

Big Ray’s Fish Camp Restaurant & The Sail Plaza


Prepare for an entirely new, waterfront experience at The Sail Plaza! This completely reimagined space includes Big Ray’s Fish Camp Restaurant, a local favorite for seafood in the Tampa Bay area. Joining Tampa Convention Center’s 360-degree waterfront bar, this full-service kitchen is the perfect addition to what is now The Sail Plaza. The Sail Plaza offers an expanded seating area, complete with an iconic shade structure. An innovative ramp system will guide pedestrian traffic, allowing for enhanced outdoor event capabilities along the Riverwalk. Restrooms now include a family restroom and air conditioning.

Modernization of Exhibit Hall Concession Stands

Modernization of Exhibit Hall Concession Stands


Exhibit Hall concessions are modernized to include refreshed menus while staying true to classic offerings guests crave. The stands have new signage and digital menu boards for superior guest experiences.

Reception held along the Tampa Riverwalk under the Tampa Convention Center addition

Tampa Riverwalk Enhancements


Improvements were made to the outdoor event space along the popular Tampa Riverwalk outside the Tampa Convention Center, such as new railings, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps, a canopy metal ceiling, and new column wraps.

Tampa Convention Center sign lit up at night

New LED Signage


New signage for the Tampa Convention Center was installed, complete with LED multi-color exterior letters and three rows of colorful lights added to the façade to light up the Downtown Tampa skyline and more prominently feature the convention center’s prime location.

Interior hallway of Tampa Convention Center

Upgraded Air Conditioning


As part of the Tampa Convention Center’s commitment to sustainability, the center invested in comprehensive updates to its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, resulting in lower energy consumption and cost savings for clients.


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