Dallas Convention Center: Find Your Event, Parking & Open Entrance
Visiting Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas? Check which halls are operating during redevelopment, upcoming exhibitions, exact parking prices, temporary DART station changes, nearby hotels and the best way to reach your event.
October 2026 construction alert: Dallas Convention Center is open for scheduled events, but large-scale demolition and redevelopment are underway. Buildings D, E and F are decommissioned. Events continue in selected spaces in Buildings A, B and C. DART Convention Center Station is closed, and construction may affect roads, pedestrian routes, entrances and parking access.
Where Is the Dallas Convention Center?
The main Dallas Convention Center is officially named Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD). It is located in the southern part of downtown Dallas near South Griffin Street, South Lamar Street, Memorial Drive, Reunion Tower and the Omni Dallas Hotel.
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
650 S Griffin Street
Dallas, Texas 75202
Phone: 214-939-2700
Website: dallasconventioncenter.com
Convention Center vs. Other Dallas Venues
Not every Dallas trade show, technology conference or business meeting takes place here. Hotels, market centers and suburban convention facilities also host large events.
Check your ticket or registration email for the exact venue, building, hall and entrance.
First-time visitor advice: Do not navigate only to the main building if you are driving. Use the garage entrance or Lot C address. If you are arriving by rail, do not select the closed Convention Center Station as your destination.
The convention center is owned by the City of Dallas and operated by Oak View Group. The property has historically provided extensive exhibition, meeting and ballroom facilities, although its available space is now reduced during construction.
Dallas Convention Center Construction: What Is Open in 2026?
The City of Dallas is replacing and redeveloping the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center through a major multiyear project. Demolition of the western sections started in 2026, while active event spaces remain available elsewhere on the campus.
| Building or Service | October 2026 Status | What Visitors Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Building A | Operating for applicable events | Use your organizer’s assigned hall and entrance. |
| Building B | Operating for applicable events | Confirm exhibit hall and security checkpoint. |
| Building C | Operating for applicable events | Check Hall C or C Ballroom registration details. |
| Buildings D, E & F | Decommissioned for demolition | Do not use historic D/E/F entrance instructions. |
| DART Convention Center Station | Closed since January 5, 2026 | Use an alternative DART station and final connection. |
| On-site Parking | Garage and Lot C listed as available | Check live access and available spaces before driving. |
| New Convention Center | Targeted opening in 2030 | Use the current venue information for 2026 events. |
Why the redevelopment matters for your visit
- Older floor plans may show closed exhibit halls and entrances.
- Road closures or construction detours can change your driving route.
- Parking lots can have different access arrangements during construction.
- Pedestrian connections from hotels may be rerouted.
- Previously convenient DART rail access is temporarily unavailable.
- Event registration desks may be placed in different lobbies.
2030 expansion: The planned new convention center is designed to offer approximately 2.1 million total square feet, including about 750,000 square feet of exhibition space. These are future-project specifications, not the available 2026 event-space inventory.
Our existing Hutchison Convention Center Dallas visitor guide also explains the venue’s transition, active halls and redevelopment-related access changes.
Upcoming Dallas Convention Center Events
The official calendar lists consumer expos, conventions, trade shows, sports competitions and special events. Below are selected events scheduled from October 25, 2026 onward.
Location: Exhibit Hall C. The event was scheduled for October 24–25 and focuses on plants and related products. The official calendar lists a 10 AM start on October 25.
Location: Exhibit Hall B. Pop culture, collectibles and trading-card event scheduled for October 24–25. Check the organizer’s ticket options and guest schedule.
Location: Exhibit Hall C and C Ballroom. Industry-focused business event with organizer-controlled registration and session details.
Location: Exhibit Hall B. Tattoo expo with participating artists and event-specific admission policies.
Location: Exhibit Hall C. Sporting event. Confirm public viewing access, match schedules and accessibility arrangements.
Location: Exhibit Hall C and C Ballroom. Business networking and exhibition event with event-organizer registration.
Location: Exhibit Hall B. Consumer event featuring vintage and secondhand fashion-related vendors.
Location: Exhibit Halls A, B and C and C Ballroom. Multi-day fitness competition with athlete registration, spectator entry and session requirements determined by the organizer.
Location: Exhibit Halls B and C and C Ballroom. Cheer and performance competition with participant and spectator admission arrangements.
How to get event tickets or register
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Open the official events calendar.
Go to the Dallas Convention Center events page.
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Select your event.
Match the name, date and hall with your invitation or search result.
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Read the event’s admission requirements.
Check whether it is open to the public, free, ticketed or restricted to registered participants.
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Use the organizer’s official registration link.
Different conventions manage tickets and badges through different systems.
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Save your confirmation.
Keep the QR code, ticket, registration email or exhibitor credentials accessible.
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Confirm your entrance.
Check which operating hall or registration lobby will be used during redevelopment.
Event availability: These are selected published event dates reviewed October 25, 2026, not a live ticket inventory. Organizers may revise opening hours, ticket requirements, hall assignments and event status.
Dallas Convention Center Parking: Rates, Garage & Lot C
The main on-site parking options are operated by ACE Parking. The official venue publishes two primary parking areas, with fees charged per day and per entry.
On-Site Parking Garage
$20 per day/per entry.
Entrance: Memorial Drive and South Griffin Street intersection, Dallas, TX 75202.
Capacity: Approximately 1,200 spaces.
Levels: G and P.
Best for: General event parking when space is available.
Parking Lot C
$17 per day/per entry.
Address: 502 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
Capacity: Approximately 170 spaces.
Type: Outdoor surface lot.
Best for: Visitors who prefer an open-air parking area and arrive while spaces remain.
Parking comparison
| Parking Option | Rate | Important Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Main garage | $20 | Per day, per entry; first come, first served. |
| Lot C | $17 | Smaller surface lot; first come, first served. |
| Accessible parking | Applicable parking charge | Designated spaces available in the garage and Lot C. |
| Private downtown garages | Varies | Independent operators set event rates and opening hours. |
No free re-entry: Official parking is charged per day and per entry. If you exit and return, you may need to pay again. Parking availability is not guaranteed, and construction-related changes may affect access.
How to park without taking the wrong entrance
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Confirm the event hall.
Find out whether your event uses Hall A, B, C or the C Ballroom.
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Choose the parking facility.
Use the garage for its larger published capacity or Lot C for surface parking.
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Enter the correct GPS destination.
For Lot C, use 502 S Lamar Street. For the garage, navigate to Memorial Drive at South Griffin Street.
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Check traffic and detours.
Road access is affected by the ongoing master-plan construction and surrounding projects.
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Follow ACE Parking instructions.
Use the official payment process shown at the entrance or pay station.
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Keep your receipt and remember your location.
Save your parking location, level and exit route.
Convention center parking rules differ across Texas. For comparison with another major venue, our Fort Worth Convention Center parking and visitor guide explains its downtown garage options and event-dependent parking rates.
For broader parking comparisons, see our convention center parking garage guide, covering named garages, hourly and event fees, payment methods and navigation mistakes.
DART Rail, Dallas Airports & Public Transportation
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) serves downtown Dallas, but the convention center’s former rail station is temporarily closed because of construction.
Critical DART update: Convention Center Station closed to passenger access on January 5, 2026. Trains may pass through the station, but passengers cannot board or exit there. The closure is expected to remain in effect during the multiyear redevelopment.
Where to get off the train now
| Transit Option | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| EBJ Union Station | Alternative downtown rail connection. Check pedestrian routes and GoLink availability for the final journey. |
| Cedars Station | Alternative south-of-downtown station with connecting options toward the convention district. |
| GoLink Connector | DART provides supplemental on-demand connections between specified downtown locations, including Union Station, Cedars and Marilla at Akard. |
| Marilla at Akard | Temporary downtown bus connection area during reconstruction. |
| Rideshare or Taxi | Use an organizer-approved passenger drop-off area rather than a closed road or construction access point. |
How to plan a DART journey
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Open DART’s current trip planner.
Choose your actual starting station or airport.
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Enter the convention center area as the destination.
Do not assume Convention Center Station is available.
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Review alternative stations.
Check whether EBJ Union Station or Cedars offers the most convenient connection.
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Check GoLink or bus options.
Confirm operating hours, booking methods, eligible pickup areas and current fares.
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Save the route.
Allow extra time for walking, transfers and temporary traffic diversions.
Dallas airports: DFW vs. Love Field
| Airport | Distance & Access | Practical Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | Approximately 7 miles from the convention center. | Convenient for many domestic flights; taxi, rideshare and transit options. |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | Larger regional airport; the venue indicates driving trips may take about 30 minutes under suitable conditions. | Extensive domestic and international flight connections. |
| Dallas Executive Airport (RBD) | General aviation airport south of downtown. | Private and business aircraft rather than standard commercial airline service. |
From DFW Airport: Rideshare, taxi or rental car can provide direct ground transportation. Rail travelers should check DART’s current route and the final connection because Convention Center Station is closed.
From Dallas Love Field: Use an authorized taxi, rideshare or current public-transit connection. Confirm the full trip, rather than relying on an older convention-center rail route.
Dallas Convention Center Map & Driving Directions
Official venue address: 650 S Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas 75202.
Which address should go into GPS?
| Destination | Address or Location |
|---|---|
| Convention Center | 650 S Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202. |
| On-site Parking Garage | Intersection of Memorial Drive and South Griffin Street. |
| Surface Parking Lot C | 502 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202. |
| Omni Dallas Hotel | 555 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202. |
| Accessible Drop-Off | Lower C Driveway, between Lamar and Griffin Streets, subject to event access. |
Driving during redevelopment: Roadwork and detours can affect Memorial Drive, Lamar Street, nearby intersections and freeway approaches. Check current navigation and the official master-plan traffic updates before traveling.
Hotels Near Dallas Convention Center
Downtown Dallas offers numerous hotels within the broader convention district. The most convenient option for many event visitors is Omni Dallas, immediately adjacent to the convention center.
Omni Dallas Hotel
Address: 555 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
Best for: Convention delegates, exhibitors, presenters and attendees who want to stay close to the venue.
The 1,001-room hotel offers dining, meeting facilities, a spa and fitness amenities.
Important: The hotel has historically been linked to the convention center by pedestrian connection. Confirm the currently available route during construction.
Hyatt Regency Dallas
Area: Reunion Boulevard and Reunion Tower, near EBJ Union Station.
Best for: Business travelers who want access to the downtown rail network and Reunion District.
Check the actual walking route and how construction affects access to the event entrance.
Courtyard Dallas Downtown/Reunion District
Area: Downtown Dallas, near the southern central business district.
Best for: Visitors who prefer a conventional business hotel and convenient central Dallas access.
Compare parking charges and the current route to the convention center.
Aloft Dallas Downtown
Area: Downtown Dallas near the convention district.
Best for: Attendees seeking a contemporary hotel within the central city.
Check total room price, parking, accessibility and event-specific walking directions.
Lorenzo Hotel Dallas
Area: South of the main downtown commercial district.
Best for: Visitors combining convention attendance with additional Dallas sightseeing.
A car or rideshare may be useful depending on weather, walking preferences and event hours.
Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown
Area: Central downtown Dallas.
Best for: Attendees comparing multiple centrally located hotel options.
Review your organizer’s negotiated hotel block before making a separate reservation.
How to choose a hotel for a multiday Dallas convention
| Your Priority | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Stay next to the convention center | Start with Omni Dallas and confirm the active pedestrian connection. |
| Use public transportation | Compare hotels near currently operating downtown DART stations. |
| Reduce total travel costs | Compare room rate, hotel parking, taxes and transportation costs together. |
| Travel for several days | Check extended-stay options and the organizer’s hotel room block. |
| Need accessible travel | Confirm accessible rooms, entrances and the route to your specific active exhibit hall. |
Hotel booking checklist
- Check the full nightly price after taxes and additional fees.
- Ask about conference room-block discounts.
- Confirm overnight and valet parking charges.
- Compare the actual walking route during construction.
- Check cancellation terms and check-in hours.
- Confirm accessible rooms and step-free access when needed.
- Ask whether any advertised shuttle must be booked in advance.
Hotel rates and availability vary by date, season and event. No fixed room prices are claimed here.
Accessibility, Wheelchairs & Passenger Drop-Off
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center provides permanent accessibility features, including accessible parking, elevators, wheelchair-accessible public facilities and designated passenger drop-off areas.
| Service | Visitor Information |
|---|---|
| Accessible Parking | Designated parking is available in the main garage and Lot C. |
| Accessible Drop-Off | Lower C Driveway, between Lamar and Griffin Streets, is the venue’s preferred accessible pickup and drop-off point, subject to event changes. |
| Elevators | Elevators are provided across operating Buildings A, B and C. |
| Restrooms | Public restrooms include accessible or ambulatory stalls. |
| First Aid | Accessible first-aid facilities are available. |
| Wheelchair and Scooter Rental | The venue refers guests to AABCO Ready Rental at 972-412-3500. |
| Service Animals | ADA-recognized service animals are permitted. |
| Event-Specific Assistance | Temporary assistance such as interpreters, assistive listening devices or special event seating should be coordinated with the organizer. |
How to arrange accessible event entry
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Identify the accommodation.
Accessible parking, step-free entry, wheelchair, scooter or sensory/communication assistance.
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Contact the correct service provider.
Call the convention center at 214-939-2700 for venue questions or AABCO at 972-412-3500 for mobility equipment rental.
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Contact your event organizer.
Request any temporary event-specific seating or communication accommodation.
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Confirm your entrance.
Check whether Lower C Driveway or another location is assigned for your event.
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Allow additional arrival time.
Construction may affect the available paths between parking, drop-off areas and entrances.
Dallas Convention Center Bag Policy, Food, Wi-Fi & Visitor Rules
Bag policy
There is no single universal clear-bag restriction for every Dallas Convention Center event. Individual organizers can establish their own bag requirements, screening procedures and permitted-item policies.
Before your visit: Review your event-specific admission instructions. A consumer expo, professional convention and cosplay event may have different bag and prop policies.
Outside food and beverages
The convention center generally prohibits outside food and drinks. Limited exceptions can apply to medically necessary items and specially prepared food for particular dietary needs.
Cashless payments
The venue and its in-house vendors operate on a cashless basis. Some independent event exhibitors may accept cash, so individual vendor rules can differ.
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi is published for common areas and meeting rooms.
- Open Wi-Fi settings.
Select the network named Free Internet.
- Wait for the connection page.
Allow the network’s login or welcome page to load.
- Choose Connect.
Complete the displayed connection process.
- Check your service needs.
Exhibitors requiring reliable dedicated internet should arrange appropriate service through the official event technology provider.
Food and coffee inside the building
Kay’s Place
Location: Level 2, C Lobby.
Published refreshments include coffee, tea, espresso beverages, snacks and pastries.
Operating hours depend on scheduled events.
Go Natural
Location: Level 2, C Lobby.
Sandwiches, wraps, salads and selected dietary-friendly menu options.
Availability and menu items may vary by event.
Other useful amenities
- ATMs: Published locations include Level 2 A Lobby and C Lobby.
- Nursing facilities: Mamava pods in Level 2 A Lobby and C Lobby.
- Vending machines: Available in selected areas of the complex.
- Business services: UPS Business Center available at the adjacent Omni Dallas Hotel.
- Lost and found: Report items through the venue’s published lost-and-found service.
- Emergency security: Venue Security Dispatch at 214-939-2942.
Dallas Convention Center Floor Plans, Capacity & Event Booking
Event organizers should use the current operating-space floor plans rather than older full-campus capacity figures. Buildings A, B and C provide the principal active convention spaces during applicable redevelopment phases.
Current operating hall information
| Space | Published Area | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Hall A | 100,155 sq ft | Level 2, Building A/B. |
| Exhibit Hall B | 100,155 sq ft | Level 2, Building A/B. |
| Exhibit Hall C | 103,940 sq ft | Level 2, Building C. |
| Ballroom A | 26,992 sq ft | Building A/B ballroom space. |
| Ballroom C | 19,224 sq ft | Building C ballroom space. |
| A100 Meeting Rooms | 17,495 sq ft | Level 1 meeting areas. |
| A300 Meeting Rooms | 8,109 sq ft | Level 3 meeting areas. |
| C100 Meeting Rooms | 27,665 sq ft | Level 1, Building C. |
These figures come from the current facility and floor-plan listing. Usable event capacity depends on approved layouts, fire safety, accessibility, booth spacing and venue operations. Historical total exhibit-space figures are not necessarily available during redevelopment.
How to request convention space
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Determine your event format.
Trade show, meeting, business conference, competition, expo or private gathering.
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Estimate attendance.
Include peak simultaneous occupancy, event staff, vendors and exhibitors.
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Review active floor plans.
Use the current available halls and meeting spaces rather than the historic D/E/F layouts.
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Prepare technical requirements.
Identify power, network, staging, rigging, audiovisual equipment and loading needs.
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Submit a request for proposal.
Provide preferred dates, room needs and operational requirements to venue sales.
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Review your quotation.
Confirm rental, staffing, event services, parking arrangements and cancellation terms before signing.
Key event service partners
- Sodexo Live!: Exclusive food and beverage partner.
- Smart City Networks: Event internet and technology services.
- Freeman Audio Visual: Preferred audiovisual and exclusive rigging partner.
- ACE Parking: Official parking and transportation partner.
Restaurants & Things to Do Near Dallas Convention Center
Visitors staying for several days can explore downtown attractions, restaurants and nearby business districts. Because of construction, plan your route rather than assuming every historic pedestrian shortcut remains open.
Reunion Tower
Downtown observation landmark near Hyatt Regency Dallas and the Reunion District.
Good for: Skyline views and sightseeing after event sessions.
Pioneer Plaza
Downtown public space known for its cattle-drive sculpture installation.
Good for: Photos and a short outdoor visit when accessible.
AT&T Discovery District
Downtown entertainment and dining district featuring Exchange Food Hall and additional restaurants.
Good for: Group meals and convenient dining choices.
The Sixth Floor Museum Area
Historic downtown district around Dealey Plaza and the former Texas School Book Depository.
Good for: Visitors interested in Dallas history.
For travelers visiting other major Texas exhibitions, our Houston Convention Center events, hotels and parking guide covers George R. Brown Convention Center and current downtown access arrangements.
Visitors attending suburban Dallas–Fort Worth events can also use our Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas guide, covering its attached parking garage, DART Orange Line connection and nearby hotels.
Dallas Convention Center: Event-Day Checklist
Before Leaving Home
- Confirm the event’s date and starting time.
- Check Hall A, B, C or your assigned meeting room.
- Save your admission ticket or QR code.
- Read the organizer’s bag and entry rules.
- Decide between the $20 garage and $17 Lot C.
- Check construction-related road changes.
- Remember that DART Convention Center Station is closed.
On Arrival
- Use the correct parking entrance or transit stop.
- Follow event-specific directional signs.
- Keep your parking receipt and location.
- Find your assigned registration desk.
- Check accessible routes if needed.
- Locate restrooms, first aid and refreshments.
- Review your exit or return transportation route.
Dallas Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the official name of the Dallas Convention Center?
The venue is officially named Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD). It is located at 650 S Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas 75202.
2. Is Dallas Convention Center open during construction?
Yes. Selected event spaces in Buildings A, B and C remain in operation during construction phases. Buildings D, E and F have been decommissioned for redevelopment.
3. How much does parking cost at Dallas Convention Center?
The official on-site garage costs $20 per day/per entry. Parking Lot C costs $17 per day/per entry. Both facilities are operated by ACE Parking, with spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Where is the Dallas Convention Center parking garage?
The on-site garage entrance is near the intersection of Memorial Drive and South Griffin Street in downtown Dallas. Surface Lot C is at 502 S Lamar Street.
5. Is the DART Convention Center Station open?
No. DART Convention Center Station closed to passenger access on January 5, 2026, for the multiyear redevelopment. Visitors can consider alternative connections through EBJ Union Station, Cedars Station and eligible GoLink services.
6. What events are coming to Dallas Convention Center?
Published late-2026 events include Win the Storm, Longhorn State Tattoo Expo, Small Business Expo Dallas, ThriftCon, HYROX Dallas and Spirit Celebration Grand Nationals. Check the official calendar for current event schedules and admission details.
7. Which hotel is closest to Dallas Convention Center?
Omni Dallas Hotel at 555 S Lamar Street is adjacent to the convention center. Because of ongoing construction, visitors should confirm the currently accessible pedestrian connection and their event entrance.
8. Does Dallas Convention Center have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Complimentary basic Wi-Fi is provided in common areas and meeting rooms. Guests can select the Free Internet network and complete the connection process when the welcome page appears.
9. Is Dallas Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue provides accessible parking, elevators, accessible restrooms and permanent building accessibility features. Lower C Driveway is the preferred accessible drop-off location, subject to event-specific changes.
10. When will the new Dallas Convention Center open?
The current redevelopment is scheduled for completion in 2030, according to the City of Dallas. Existing approved event spaces remain in use during relevant phases of construction.
Official Dallas Convention Center Resources & Contacts
| Information | Official Website |
|---|---|
| Venue homepage | Dallas Convention Center |
| Current events | Event Calendar |
| Parking and driving | Parking & Directions |
| Parking and hotel map | Parking & Hotel Map |
| Visitor amenities | Building Amenities |
| Accessibility | Accessibility Services |
| Current facility plans | Floor Plans & Capacity |
| DART closure | DART Convention Center Station |
| Expansion construction | KBHCCD Master Plan |
| Hotels and tourism | Plan Your Visit |
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
650 S Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
Main phone: 214-939-2700
Emergency Security Dispatch: 214-939-2942
Mobility Equipment Rental: 972-412-3500
Best way to plan your visit: Confirm your event’s active hall, choose the appropriate parking area or operating DART connection, check the current entrance and construction detours, then complete admission or registration through the event organizer. These steps help avoid arriving at a closed station, outdated exhibit-hall entrance or construction-restricted road.