Sample book with community resources insert

locations as these upgrades have created a state-of-the-art
center designed to attract events of all sizes.
Though this was the most recent of upgrades to our
beloved Convention Center, it was not the first. The busy
nature of the Convention Center has kept it a busy facility
since its inception in 1970. With what started as only
100,000 square feet consisting of the auditorium, foyer,
exhibit hall, kitchen, small meeting rooms and offices, it has
once before seen upgrades in 1990, which expanded to
include a conference center, service alley, additional kitchen
and upstairs conference room.
Having always been a regional location for meetings and
trade shows, the Convention Center is also known for its
outstanding customer service that keeps bringing patrons,
families and events back. In 2018, Convention Center staff
helped a family celebrate by hosting a bride’s wedding reception
whose mother had her reception in the same location
over twenty years ago!
It is this same outstanding service that continues to bring
outstanding options to our small West Texas town. Broadway
series, banquets, concerts and live shows make up a large
part of the Convention Center’s calendar. Hosting four to five
Broadway shows a year—previous shows including
Cinderella, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Dirty Dancing, The Wizard
of Oz, ELF The Musical, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, and
Legally Blonde—who needs to leave Abilene to experience the
beauty and awe that is Broadway! Speaking of great acts that
have come to town, the Convention Center has also been
known to host a variety of concerts. How many cities the size
of Abilene can boast acts such as Styx, Oakridge Boys, The
Temptations, Casting Crowns, Aaron Watson, Willie Nelson,
Newsboys, Rodney Carrington, Asleep at the Wheel, Amy
Grant, Joe Bonamassa, Jim Brickman, and Loretta Lynn, just
to name a few! And if you are looking for local acts, the
Convention Center is the home of the Abilene Philharmonic
orchestra concerts! Looking for a little something different,
look no further as we also host everything from gameshows
like Price is Right LIVE! to well-known stand up acts and fun
for the kiddos including: Jerry Seinfeld, Gabriel Iglesias,
Anjelah Johnson, Sesame Street Live, and Barney. We have
got a little something for everyone!
Abilene’s history of supporting the Convention Center
and the events that are available to the community because
of it, will keep the Convention Center around and thriving
for years to come. If you have not, stop by the Convention
Center and see what we have going on, we promise you will
not have to look very far before you find something that will
keep you coming back!
The Exhibit Hall.
THE MARKETPLACE
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