Springfield takes next big step toward Regional Convention & Event Center

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The vision for a new Springfield Regional Convention & Event Center in the heart of downtown is moving forward. The City of Springfield has officially opened the next phase of the project by inviting qualified firms to apply to serve as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) — a critical role that will help bring this transformative civic project to life.

The proposed center is designed to be a landmark destination for Springfield and the entire region, creating new opportunities for conventions, concerts, tournaments, and community gatherings that have previously been out of reach.

According to a market demand and financial feasibility study conducted by Hunden Partners and presented in June, the center would feature:

• 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall (subdividable for flexibility)
• 30,000-square-foot ballroom and 14,000-square-foot junior ballroom
• 16,000 square feet of meeting space
• 1,000 connected parking spaces
• A future 400-room headquarters hotel (planned but not part of this construction contract).

Altogether, the event center is expected to encompass 250,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space and be designed to meet LEED Silver standards, reflecting Springfield’s commitment to sustainability.

A catalyst for downtown vibrancy

The project will not only provide a much-needed venue for larger events but will also serve as a catalyst for additional public and private investment downtown, bringing more visitors, energizing businesses and creating jobs.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for downtown Springfield,” said David Cameron, Springfield City Manager. “The Regional Convention & Event Center will boost our economy, strengthen our tourism industry and give residents a place to gather, celebrate, and connect.”

Project funding

The estimated $175 million project will be funded through:

• $30 million from the State of Missouri
• $30 million proposed from local Spring Forward SGF sales tax revenue dedicated to transformative civic projects (City Council is slated to vote on this Aug. 25).
• A bond issue supported by a proposed 3% increase in the lodging license fee, which Springfield voters will consider on Nov. 4, 2025.

If voters approve the lodging fee increase, funding would be secured and construction could begin as early as 2026.
 
 “We recognize that we’re asking voters to make an important decision this November. At the same time, we have a unique opportunity to leverage $30 million in state funding, but those dollars are only available if we make significant progress by next spring. That means we need to begin design and preconstruction work now, so we can demonstrate real investment and keep that match on the table. Every dollar we spend today positions us to maximize the state’s contribution and minimize the local burden tomorrow. It’s about being good stewards of this opportunity and making sure Springfield gets the full benefit of the resources available,” Cameron said.

Next steps

The City is now seeking a Construction Manager at Risk, who will work hand-in-hand with the design team to deliver the project on an accelerated timeline. 
 
 A pre-submittal meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the Busch Municipal Building (Room L45), with optional virtual attendance via Microsoft Teams. Shortlisted firms will be notified Sept. 8, with interviews scheduled Sept. 10. A finalist will be selected the same day, and contract negotiations are expected to conclude by Sept. 24, 2025. For more information or to submit questions about the RFQ, contact Tim Rosenbury, AIA, at [email protected].

“This project represents a major investment in Springfield’s future,” Cameron said. “It will create new opportunities for entertainment, tourism, and community connection, while also signaling to the nation that Springfield is a city on the rise.”

For updates and more information, visit springfieldmo.gov/election. 
 
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For more information, contact Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, at [email protected].