Dallas approves $1 billion 'bridge loan' for Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center expansion
KERA | By Megan Cardona
The Dallas City Council approved a $1 billion loan for the expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Wednesday ahead of the 2026 FIFA men’s soccer World Cup.
The expansion is part of a convention center district project and is estimated to cost between $3.3 billion and $3.5 billion — a stark increase from the initial $1.9 billion in 2021.
The $1 billion “bridge loan” approved this week will help move the project forward by providing funds needed to enter contracts for design and construction and pay vendors.
Council members voted 13-1 to approve the loan with Cara Mendelsohn voting against and Mayor Eric Johnson absent.