In April 2001,
Mandalay Resort Group announced plans to build a convention center for its
Mandalay Bay resort, located on the
Las Vegas Strip. The facility would occupy 16.5 acres located southwest of Mandalay Bay. The resort already had of convention and meeting space, Construction began in June 2001, but was subsequently put on hold for nearly six months, The facility was
topped out on July 11, 2002. The $236 million Mandalay Bay Convention Center opened on January 6, 2003, with of space. It was among the largest convention centers in the U.S., and the second largest local facility, surpassed only by the
Las Vegas Convention Center. Its first event was the Aqua Show, which focused on the pool and spa industry. In 2013, Mandalay Bay partnered with
NRG Energy to add 21,324 solar panels on the facility's roof, capable of supporting up to 20 percent of the resort's energy needs. A $66 million expansion of the convention center was announced in April 2014, adding of exhibit space and 900 additional underground parking spaces. Construction began in October 2014, bringing the facility to . Renovations to the existing facilities concluded in January 2016, with second-floor space converted into the Oceanside Ballroom. The convention center includes three kitchens which provide catering for events. A $100 million renovation, including technological updates, took place from 2022 to 2024. ==See also==