The convention center addition to the Mayo Civic Center is available for hosting events beginning April 1, 2017. The $84 million project for the City of Rochester includes a 38,500 square-foot ballroom, 14 new meeting rooms, and pre-function space adjacent to a beautiful 7,500 sf outdoor riverfront plaza.

"We've been fortunate to remain on schedule," stated Rich Reding, Knutson Construction's project superintendent. "Everything has tracked perfectly without major delays, coupled with good weather, so we are confident moving the availability for bookings up to April."  Previous availability for booking events in the new convention center was planned beginning July 1, 2017. 

 "This announcement creates new opportunities for the Mayo Civic Center to host more events. Our sales staff is excited for the opportunity to revisit availability with planners and promote our convention center for bookings earlier than we had anticipated," shared Brad Jones, Executive Director of the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau.

A renovation of the Mayo Civic Center's existing Presentation Hall is also part of the overall project and expected to open soon after the addition in 2017. Improvements such as acoustic tiles, accessibility, and additional lobby space will allow the Presentation Hall to position itself as a premier venue for performing arts and entertainment.

A new banquet production kitchen is scheduled for completion on the east side of the existing building by August 2016. In addition, the Rochester Civic Theatre's black box addition will open within a similar time frame.

Approximately 30% of the work has been completed and $22 million has been spent on the $84 million expansion project thus far.  Upcoming work that will be completed soon include the pre-formed concrete supports along Civic Center Drive and the Zumbro River in addition to installation of the glass wave wall which allows for views from the first and second story pre-function space.

The expansion will bring the total amount of space at the Mayo Civic Center to more than 200,000 square feet. The new ballroom and meeting rooms will enhance the existing 25,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and 25,000-square-foot arena. The spacious and convenient Mayo Civic Center will be the perfect venue for events ranging from medical conferences to large business meetings.

View construction progress by searching #opening2017 and view a virtual tour of the Mayo Civic Center expansion at: mayociviccenter.com/expansion/.  Contact the Rochester Convention Center & Visitors Bureau at (800) 634-8277 to learn more about hosting an event at the Mayo Civic Center.