Knoxville — A building that dates back to the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville has a new name and will get a facelift.
The former Knoxville Convention and Exhibition Center (KCEC), facing the World’s Fair Park Festival Lawn and adjacent to the Holiday Inn downtown, will now be called the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.
Officials with the City of Knoxville, SMG Knoxville and Visit Knoxville hosted a ribbon-cutting for the new space on Thursday. It will officials open April 21-23 for the 10th Annual Spring Fling basketball tournament.
$2.1 million in updates have already started in the 66,396 square foot building, including a new HVAC unit, roof and remodeled bathrooms.
“Knoxville’s national reputation as a destination city is growing, and bookings are at an all-time high at the Convention Center,” Mayor Madeline Rogero said. “The rebranded World’s Fair Exhibition Hall provides great new space and will position Knoxville to grow the number and quality of conventions, trade shows and youth sports events that we host.
The World’s Fair Exhibition Hall will provide overflow and additional event space to supplement the nearby Knoxville Convention Center.
It will be managed by SMG Knoxville, which already manages three other city-owned facilities: Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum and Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center.
“World’s Fair Exhibition Hall strengthens Knoxville’s ability and opportunities to host events, entertainment, conferences, trade shows and more for both local organizations and out-of-town groups that help drive economic impact for the city,” SMG Knoxville General Manager Mary Bogert said. “Launching this venue is a joint effort and a success for our organization, the City of Knoxville and Visit Knoxville.”
