SBJ file

The project is proposed for a grass lot in the 700 block of East St. Louis Street.

provided by city of Springfield

A site plan points to potential features of the proposed convention and events center.

SBJ's Convention Center Coverage

Posted online January 30, 2026 | 1:49 pm

Springfield Business Journal compiles news coverage on the proposed convention and events center project for downtown Springfield ahead of the April 7 election. That is when Springfield voters will decide whether or not to fund a convention and events center with an additional 3% tax on hotel, motel and short-term rental accommodations.

This election-related coverage is available to all readers, no SBJ subscription required.

Additional campaign expenditures reported by pair of PACs ahead of April 7 election

‘Exuberant’ concept released for convention center

PAC contributions for lodging tax issue reported to Missouri Ethics Commission

City releases concept designs of proposed convention center

City spokesperson says two ‘wildly different’ convention center design concepts to be revealed this week

Convention center initial design release postponed

City to release initial design of proposed convention center

City holds final visioning workshop for convention center

Springfield chamber board endorses lodging tax for convention center

Booster group organizes for convention center tax

City Beat: Council approves education plan for 3% tourism tax measure

Convention center discussion dominates council members’ Q&A

Convention center visioning seeks to gauge local pulse

Architect: Convention center an opportunity to innovate

Funding plan for convention center comes into focus

Architects say a Springfield convention center should have ‘no dark days,’ with year-round local bookings

KC architectural firm to lead visioning for convention center

Take two: Council to take another shot at tax for convention center funding

Council to take another shot at lodging tax for convention center funding

Convention center tax proposal in the works for April

Kehoe: $30M in state funding for convention center could still be released

City seeks community input on convention center

City goes back to the drawing board after election defeat

Jenson: Ambiguity spawned distrust among voters on convention center issue

Voters reject lodging tax increase for convention center

Springfield mayor mum on real estate dealings for potential convention center site

Voters to consider additional 3% lodging tax for convention center

Council votes to spend $30M on convention center match

Officials eager to court visitors for convention center

Centered in Cincinnati: Springfield chamber’s annual Community Leadership Visit studies Ohio city’s convention center project

No. 1: City pursues $175 million convention, event center

Comments

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Afarris

You mean the newly constructed convention center will fit on that grass lot.

That is my problem, you think that it is new construction, but really it will be partially new construction and the rest will be the renovation of a 75 year old building. The manner in which the city is presenting this expensive project can be confusing. Please tell me if I am wrong??

As a business entity, should you be very worried about the return on this investment?

Tuesday, February 3