Formerly known as the Tarrant County Convention Center, the Fort Worth Convention Center is an indoor arena and convention facility situated in Sundance Square in Downtown Fort Worth, Texas.
Designed by five Fort Worth architects—Herman E. Cox, Preston M. Green, Hueppelhueser & White, Morris Parker, and the firm of Sowden, Wilson, Patterson, Epperly & Dunlap—the complex was a key part of a late-1960s urban renewal effort.
It opened in September 1968 and has hosted decades of major concerts, professional sports, civic gatherings, and national events. The arena’s flexible design made it a go-to stage for touring superstars, championship matches, and televised specials that helped put Fort Worth on the entertainment map.
Popular Acts
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June 15–16, 1974 – Elvis Presley performed afternoon and evening shows on both days. He had previously appeared here on June 18, 1972, and returned again on June 3 and July 3, 1976.
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May 3, 1976 – Paul McCartney & Wings kicked off the North American leg of the Wings Over the World tour at the Convention Center.
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November 3, 1976, and July 7–8, 1977 – Eagles played three sold-out shows as part of the Hotel California tour, a peak moment in the band’s touring history.
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February 27, 1977 – Led Zeppelin initially selected the venue to open the 1977 North American Tour. The start was delayed, and the rescheduled tour stop was held here on May 22, 1977.
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May 1, 1977 – Pink Floyd chose the Convention Center as one of the stops on the In the Flesh tour.
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June 28, 1979 – Bee Gees began the Spirits Having Flown tour at the arena. Portions of the concert were filmed for The Bee Gees Special, which aired on NBC later that year.
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January 25, 1974 – Bob Dylan brought his highly successful 1974 “comeback” tour to Fort Worth. He returned for additional shows in May 1978 and November 1978.
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June 24, 1972 – The Rolling Stones filmed portions of the concert movie Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones during their 1972 Tour of America.
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November 23–24, 1987 – U2 played two sold-out shows on The Joshua Tree world tour. Footage from the second night appears in the tour documentary Rattle and Hum.
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May 9–10, 1997 – Metallica filmed the concert video Cunning Stunts at the Convention Center toward the end of their Poor Touring Me tour.
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September 15–16, 2018 – BTS performed two concerts as part of the Love Yourself world tour, marking a new era of global pop acts headlining the venue.
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May 8, 2019 – BLACKPINK brought the In Your Area world tour to the Convention Center, continuing the arena’s legacy of hosting international stars.
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Popular Sports Event that Happened at the Fort Worth Convention Center
- Texas Chaparrals (ABA) — 1970–1971
- Fort Worth Fire (CHL) — 1992–1999
- Fort Worth Brahmas (WPHL/CHL) — 1997–2006
- Fort Worth Cavalry (AFL) — 1994
- Fort Worth Flyers (NBA D-League) — 2005–2007
From 1970 to 1971, the Convention Center hosted home games for the Texas Chaparrals of the ABA. The franchise later became the San Antonio Spurs, while Fort Worth continued to welcome professional teams across multiple leagues and eras.
The arena also served as home ice for the Fort Worth Fire and Fort Worth Brahmas hockey teams and as home court for the Fort Worth Flyers in the NBA Development League from 2005 to 2007.
The Fort Worth Brahmas organization is now known as the Lone Star Brahmas; to learn more about the team’s history and name change, you can read our article on the North American Hockey League Team Lone Star Brahmas.
In 1992, the Convention Center hosted the Davis Cup Final, where the United States defeated Switzerland in a memorable championship tie. The event cemented the venue’s reputation for staging world-class competition in addition to marquee concerts.
Architecture, Setting, and Visiting Today
The Fort Worth Convention Center reflects late-1960s civic architecture, combining a multi-purpose arena with exhibit halls and meeting spaces. Its Downtown location places visitors steps from Sundance Square dining, hotels, and theaters, making it convenient for both locals and out-of-town guests.
For current event schedules, ticketing, parking, and accessibility details, please check the official Convention Center website before you go.