The official ribbon has been cut to celebrate the Hickory Metro Convention Center Expansion and Renovation
HICKORY, NC—On November 25, a bright yellow ribbon was cut at the Hickory Metro Convention Center to celebrate the 46,000-square-foot addition and renovations throughout the building.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held almost 19 months ago, and this momentous ribbon cutting marks the fourth ribbon cut at the Hickory Metro Convention Center since it's opening more than 27 years ago.
“The vision from many of us in the 1980s continues to grow as we have seen the success of the convention center when it opened in 1997, expanded in 2005, added a parking deck in 2015, and now we have a 46,000 square foot expansion and renovated space throughout the building,” said Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) Chairman Bruce Eckard. “There are now more than 132,000 square feet available for use on one level to welcome any and every event you can think of, and this convention center will bring lots of new opportunities and visitors to our community.”
The HCTDA started the conversation about this expansion almost seven years ago. In September 2022, after many renditions, the HCTDA, along with its founding partners Hickory City Council and Conover City Council, approved this expansion and renovation project. Holland and Hamrick Architects, along with Scott Mitchell, designed the project, with construction spearheaded by Hickory Construction Company. The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on May 1, 2023, and the official ribbon for the project was cut on November 25, 2024.
“As Hickory develops further for its residents, visitors, and businesses, the Hickory Metro Convention Center continues to be a significant economic asset for the area,” said Hickory Mayor Hank Guess. “This exceptional facility and its dedicated staff ensure Hickory is a prime destination for sports tourism, conferences, and meetings. For many, the convention center is their first glimpse of Hickory, and we take great pride in what it represents.”
Conover, one of the cities that created the HCTDA, is vital to the organization’s success and an important partner.
“We live in such an amazing community that has a long history of municipal leaders collaborating together for the good of everyone,” said Conover Mayor Kyle J. Hayman. “The Hickory Metro Convention Center is a shining example of the collaboration between the cities of Conover and Hickory. At no cost to our taxpayers, the convention center has been a draw for events in Catawba County for many years. This expansion will continue to draw even more people to Catawba County by hosting larger events, regional sports tournaments, and so much more and allow us to continue to showcase the best Catawba County has to offer.”
The HCTDA is the government entity that oversees the Hickory Metro Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. It was created in the 1980s and has experienced many successful growth periods throughout the years. It continues to grow with this next evolution of the convention center space. The convention center debt will be paid for with occupancy tax funds collected from Hickory and Conover hotels and event revenue.
Mandy Pitts Hildebrand, CEO of the Hickory Metro Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, said the ribbon cutting is a moment that so many people have been looking forward to, especially the staff. “There is so much positive momentum that has brought us to this day, and it’s because of collaboration and collective wisdom of looking to what the next 5 to 25 years looks like in the meeting and event industry, as well as sports tourism, that we believe will make this renovation and expansion a success.”
Highlights of the Convention Center Renovation/Addition Project
An additional 46,194 square feet were added and included:
• A 35,000-square-foot exhibit hall with a 30-foot ceiling height and wood flooring, which is space for an expo, public show, or meeting, as well as space for eight volleyball courts, four basketball courts, 12 pickleball courts, cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling events, and more.
• A multipurpose area that will highlight our community's history is in a 2,500-square-foot space with self-contained restrooms, catering space, outdoor terrace, and video display capability.
Renovations of approximately 30,000 square feet of the original building include:
• Upgraded finishes and lighting in the existing Catawba Rooms (the 2005 addition) and new movable partitions for more efficient operation.
• Renovated and expanded restrooms to provide new finishes and “touchless” operation.
• Extended exterior canopy at the existing Main Entrance, which is seen from I-40.
• New covered walkway connection from the existing parking deck to the main entrance.
• Enhanced video signage and wayfinding.
• Additional small meeting rooms.
• New audio-visual throughout the convention center.
• Paint and finishes in the original (1997) wing of the convention center.
• Renovated office space for Hickory Metro Convention Center staff and Economic Development Corporation.
• Additional Parking.
The original project, plus additions, is an $18 million investment.
With the convention center’s addition and upgrades, it is expected to host more than 200 meetings, events, and sports groups each year, which could attract more than 200,000 people annually.
