Ontario Convention Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Ontario Convention Center celebrates its 25th anniversary this year! A community event is planned for late summer to enjoy an open house at the 225,000 square foot venue. “We look forward to a year-long celebration of our 25th Anniversary with several events,” said Shannon Perry, General Manager of Ontario Convention Center. Over the years Ontario Convention Center has earned several awards, and today continues to host meetings, conventions, life celebration events, and more. In 2016 the main lobby underwent construction to include Café Connect and a new outdoor patio. Still focusing on the beautiful mountain vistas, this redesigned space provides a place for dining, a cup of coffee on to go, and a place to be outside for relaxation and renovation. The ultra-contemporary design was thoughtfully planned to provide a welcoming setting with a fresh, open, and progressive vibe. The multi-level space offers a refreshing layout encompassing over 225,000 square feet of space and a 70,000 square foot column-free exhibition hall, accented throughout by floor-to-ceiling windows to draw in the gorgeous surrounding mountain vistas. An expansive offering of outdoor space is also available for meeting and event purposes. The center also has the GBAC Star Accreditation. It was July 1993 when the City of Ontario Council selected a 17-acre plot, at a price tag of $8.5M, near Ontario International Airport as the future site to build Ontario Convention Center. With a sale of $90M in bonds it was time to move forward on this project. The project was promised to bring in up to $74M annually and create 789 jobs. A ground-breaking ceremony was held on September 28, 1995. The mid-90s was a busy time for construction and Grand Openings in Southern California’s Ontario! Included in the array of new venues was Ontario Convention Center. In 1996 Ontario Mills Mall had opened, then the California Speedway, followed by Ontario Convention Center in 1997. One year later the new terminals for Ontario International Airport opened. The City of Ontario Redevelopment Agency played a major role in the transformation of the city, making it a leading economic engine for the entire region. More information and photos can be found at: www.ontariocc.org