The public will get its first look at the newly renovated San Jose Convention Center Thursday, with a free community day and interactive art installation called an “idea tree” in the evening.
San Jose spent $130 million to revamp the aging McEnergy Convention Center. Among the changes, more space for events and a larger ballroom in what used to be the city's main library.
The public activities begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by a grand opening gala on Friday. Some of the activities include: A Looney Tunes theme and performances by Symphony Silicon Valley of Warner Brothers' Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II, food, raffles and other activities.
MORE: Time Lapse Video of the Convention Center Under Construction
Here are some fast facts about the center:
• 550,000 sq. ft. total combined convention space
• 324, 760 sq. ft. total exhibition space
• 165,000 sq. ft. total contiguous exhibit space
• 143,000 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space
• Room for 1,000 10’ x 10’ booths
• 112,523 sq. ft. total meeting space
• 104,566 sq. ft. of pre-function space
• 35,194 sq. ft. and 22,000 sq. ft. ballrooms
• 3.9 miles to the Airport
• 2,200 committable Downtown hotel rooms on peak
• 4,000 committable city-wide hotel rooms on peak
• Up to 43 meeting rooms with capacities from 50 to 3,900 in theater style seating
