Ownership

The Wilmington Convention Center is owned by the City of Wilmington. We opened for business in November 2010. The City started development of this project in the mid 2000’s as an economic driver to attract conventions and events that would result in the creation of new jobs and businesses in and around Wilmington and New Hanover County.

The Wilmington Convention Center Complex cost $62 million dollars to build and includes the 107,000 sf Wilmington Convention Center, a 578 space Public Parking Deck, a 12,000 square foot Event Lawn/Green Space along the Cape Fear River.

Facility Design

Our complex structure is reminiscent of Wilmington as an old “Port City.” The interior and exterior reflect the designers usage of angles and lines similar to that of a ship’s sail and hull, giving the Wilmington Convention Center a classic, yet unique look true to our city’s historical beginnings. The Wilmington Convention Center building site is on the north edge of the city and adjacent to the Cape Fear River. The Wilmington Convention Center’s design also reveals its maritime relation in the rich woods, wave like terrazzo flooring, and unique Ballroom chandeliers resembling boat engine propellers.