The Fargo Convention Center
A new chapter is taking shape in Downtown Fargo.
The future Fargo Convention Center is planned for the site of the existing Fargo Civic Center, transforming a longtime community gathering place into a modern destination for conventions, meetings, events, and experiences.
Designed to welcome visitors while serving the community, the Convention Center will connect guests to the energy of Downtown Fargo, from locally owned restaurants and shops to hotels, entertainment, public spaces, and the Red River.
More details are coming as planning and design move forward.
Built on Fargo's Past. Designed for its Future.
The vision for the Fargo Convention Center starts with something familiar: the Fargo Civic Center. The proposed design reimagines portions of the existing building into a modern, flexible convention facility while honoring its history and making room for what's next.
The design reaches even further into Fargo's past, drawing inspiration from the railroad bridges that helped shape the city. Wood, steel, and structural patterns inspired by those early bridges create a distinctive space connecting Downtown Fargo with the nearby Red River.
As Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo continues to grow, so does the need for larger places to gather. The future Convention Center will create new opportunities to welcome conventions, competitions, meetings, and events that our existing spaces can't accommodate today.
It's a gathering place rooted in Fargo's story and built for where we're going.
Years in the Making
Fargo's journey toward a dedicated convention center has been years in the making.
For more than a decade, community leaders have studied how additional convention and meeting space could help Fargo compete for events the destination currently cannot host.
In November 2024, Fargo voters approved a new 3% lodging tax dedicated to funding the construction, future capital improvements, maintenance, and operation of a convention center.
Following the vote, the City of Fargo formed a Convention Center Project Committee to guide an extensive Request for Proposal process. Nine initial proposals were eventually narrowed to four finalists and, following additional review and due diligence, the Fargo City Commission selected the Downtown Civic Center proposal from EAPC Architects Engineers and Kilbourne Group as the first-ranked proposal in June 2026.
The City and development team are now working toward the next steps needed to bring the project to life.
Connected to Downtown Fargo
One of the defining features of the proposed Convention Center is its connection to the surrounding city.
The downtown location places attendees within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, entertainment, and public spaces. The plans also envision connections to nearby hotels through Fargo's existing skyway system, giving visitors climate-controlled access year-round.
From Downtown Fargo to the Red River, the goal is to create a Convention Center that feels connected to the surrounding destination, not separated from it.
Project Timeline
Dates and project details are preliminary and may change as planning, design, and construction progress.
2026 - Final Proposals & Project Selection
Finalists present detailed proposals, and the Downtown Civic Center concept is selected to move forward.
2026 - 2027 - Design & Development
The City and project team move into development agreements, design refinement, budgeting, and project planning.
2027 - 2029 - Construction
Construction and transformation of the existing Civic Center are anticipated to take place during this period.
Mid 2029 - Target Opening
The current proposal anticipates opening the Fargo Convention Center in mid-2029.
Stay Updated
Fill out this form to stay updated on milestones, updates, and changes from our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens Next?
What Happens Next?
The Convention Center is moving forward, but there's still work ahead.
The City of Fargo and project partners will continue working through development agreements, design, construction planning and other details that will shape the final facility. That means some of what you see today, including renderings, layouts, amenities and timelines, may evolve as the project progresses.
We'll continue updating this page as plans are finalized and new information becomes available.
Funding
How much will the Convention Center cost and who's paying for it?
The current proposal estimates the Convention Center project at approximately $46 million. The primary funding source is a 3% lodging tax approved by Fargo voters in November 2024. A lodging tax is a tax paid by guests on overnight stays at hotels and motels within the City of Fargo. The additional 3% was approved specifically to help fund the Convention Center and will be collected for a 25-year period.
The current proposal anticipates approximately $41 million from lodging-tax-backed funding, with an additional $5 million from Fargo’s existing Riverfront Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. TIF is a financing tool that uses increased property tax revenue generated within a designated development district to help fund eligible public improvements and redevelopment projects. In this case, the proposal would use funds from an existing TIF district rather than creating a new one.
The lodging tax is dedicated to costs associated with the Convention Center, including construction, future capital improvements, maintenance and operations. Final costs and financing details remain subject to City Commission approval as the project moves forward.
Final costs and financing details remain subject to the development agreement and City Commission approval as the project moves forward.
Location, Features, & Design
Where will this be built?
The future Fargo Convention Center is planned for the current Fargo Civic Center site in Downtown Fargo, near City Hall, the Fargo Public Library and the Red River. The proposed design will incorporate portions of the existing Civic Center while transforming the site into a modern convention and gathering space.
What will it look like?
The proposed design blends Fargo's history with a modern, welcoming feel. Inspired by the railroad bridges that helped shape the city, the design incorporates wood, steel and structural elements that connect Downtown Fargo with the nearby Red River.
Current renderings are conceptual, and the design may continue to evolve as the project moves forward.
Where will my attendees stay?
The Convention Center will be located within walking distance of several Downtown Fargo hotels, including the Radisson Blu and Jasper Hotel, which together offer 275 rooms and are planned to have direct, climate-controlled skyway access to the Convention Center.
The current plans also include a proposed new hotel connected directly to the Convention Center, creating even more convenient lodging options for future attendees. Additional hotels throughout Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo offer options for groups of all sizes and budgets.
Where will we be able to park?
The proposed plans include multiple parking options within a short walk of the Convention Center, utilizing existing downtown parking ramps, lots and street parking. Guests staying at connected downtown hotels will also be able to access the Convention Center through the skyway system, without needing to drive between their hotel and the event.
Parking and transportation plans will continue to be refined as the project moves forward.
Lisa Vedder
Director of Convention Sales
PHONE
(701) 365-4562