Minneapolis Convention Center, Always Evolving
What changed at the MCC after the 2002 expansion?
As our reputation grew in the industry, the demand to host an event at the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) increased, and by the mid-1990s, we were already outgrowing ourselves. In 1994 alone, only four years after opening, the MCC had turned away 84 major events due to lack of space. After serious discussions of expansion, which included over 30 different possible scenarios, it was decided the MCC would add 760,000 square feet on the east side of the building. This design would fit our needs with minimal effect on the surrounding neighborhood and provide a favorable streetscape and realignment design, resulting in the lowest public improvement costs. Paying for itself in only two years, this expansion would create 5,000 jobs for the Minneapolis hospitality industry. Additionally, it would increase annual spending by an estimated $229 million to hotels, restaurants, retail, transportation and other related businesses, and $14 million in sales tax.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-2000-construction-pit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a820f5c37a46569b4ee9dd40a98c4cf6 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-2000-construction-pit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3773b7f83f6318b8aa4a50ca2cb16b51 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-2000-construction-pit.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=cbf16afe505256f61743eaa0d951eb4f 566w)
In 1999, with the push of a button and an explosion of earth, the groundbreaking became official! To kick off this celebration, a small but festive Hard Hat Parade marched down Nicollet Mall, led by Meet Minneapolis (at the time known as the Greater Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association). The parade also included Minneapolis City Council members and employees from the MCC and the hotel community. Fun fact: The parade was held on Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton’s birthday. She held office from 1994-2001.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-hard-hat-parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7f102c601fd4e65dd64300104f39b2d6 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-hard-hat-parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2a2a7c2a67c89443986a2bf0196e910e 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-hard-hat-parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8ddb211f4a9adf35aa0eec290368d4df 719w)
What exactly was included in the expansion?
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-expansion-model.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=96179f19d04d869158d0895cb3a60e7f 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-expansion-model.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4fbeddd1c823fb1e1e3f06cdca2543c4 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-expansion-model.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=223cab47b954a21476eab32895f1db80 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-expansion-model.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d546e193f5c97495c757940dab9f06f1 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-expansion-model.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5ee7508bc5739254ebe3a28db90e1d97 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-expansion-model.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=bfd4df7b677f1475856f4537ac62c775 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-1999-expansion-model.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=5c4c1a3b2c745614313aa15035d1f44a 1693w)
1. 3,433 Fixed-Seat Auditorium with Three Revolving Rooms
The impressive 3,433 fixed-seat auditorium was a major addition to the MCC and allowed for a new competitive advantage. Today, the lighting and sound production we use for stage performances will blow you away. The three rooms in the back of the auditorium can open into the main space, providing additional seating or can turn into their own private lecture hall. And while these rooms may look like a carnival ride, we spin them without people on board.
2. A Whole Lot of Exhibit Hall Space
Two 99,000 square foot exhibit halls were added with the 2002 expansion. Exhibit Hall B was added to Level One, located perfectly next to Exhibit Halls C, D, and E, and added the fourth iconic dome to the architecture of the MCC. The other space, Exhibit Hall A, was added to the Lower Level. This exhibit hall differs from the other four in that it has a flat ceiling and includes an option to section off the space with built-in drapes, creating an intimate setting for larger events. Fun fact: 99,000 square feet is enough to fit almost two football fields.
3. Meeting Rooms
Thirty-nine total meeting rooms were added to the MCC in 2002. Each room can open its walls to be combined with other meeting rooms, accommodating all sizes of events. Smaller events may not need space outside of meeting rooms while many larger events that use spaces like the Exhibit Halls or Ballroom will pair their event with meeting rooms to provide breakout sessions or retail spaces.
4. New Kitchen
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-04.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b7c530cf3a726ac716366fa8ec5e2fa6 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-04.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=892c9bc045e2b8c46a4a3786e0718a16 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-04.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=7377cc129f3bc34f13bc0bbd5691feaf 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-04.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=8de70b9b64a3a652d03d7636b39425d7 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-04.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=dd7871abb7fcdcfd31129f29cd435daa 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-04.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=e432812845ffbd23dd0c76be2966748d 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-04.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=e328aa3d17e516f5536954f0ea67b3f9 1920w)
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-01.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9ac59d638c7f5d5e525971f5b8b0415a 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-01.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e1373d4635357a77e0484e1b606fc8a7 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-01.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=4d7d9eaf2e353649ffb8e66b6f800792 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-01.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=603e2bbdda76f9af491c4c33b96ae203 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-01.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c11d6e4c2eeb7ff73f1d57184b7d937e 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-01.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=c18b603bba3b0cfe431ade82cba393f4 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/MCC-kitchen-01.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=d0a0e6ad6b6e037df6f5cce2fe50e5f2 1920w)
We love food and so do our attendees. With an expansion of this size, the events at the MCC would only get larger, so we knew that our kitchen had to provide enough space to match this new demand. With the addition of a 23,000 square foot kitchen, we were ready to cook up any amount of food! In 2005, we hosted the Microsoft World Partners Conference, which included a buffet-style meal for 12,000 people. In total, Kelber served 74,000 meals over a five-day period for this event alone.
5. Loading Docks
Do you ever wonder how over 800 cars get into the building for the Auto Show? Or how a Ferris wheel can get inside to set up in an Exhibit Hall? Loading docks, it’s all about the loading docks. This calculated unloading and loading process is vital to keeping an event setup/takedown on schedule. The expansion created 16 additional loading docks for the MCC, bringing the total to 40.