On Wednesday morning, the city council voted unanimously to allocate up to $15 million in upgrades for the Kay Bailey Convention Center to host the International Broadcast Center in 2026In a pivotal decision that cements Dallas’s role as a global media hub for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Dallas City Council has officially approved $15 million to upgrade the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center into the International Broadcast Center.
The newly approved $15 million investment will fund critical upgrades to the convention center’s infrastructure. This includes enhancements in climate control, power sourcing, and other essential features necessary for the IBC to operate efficiently. The upgrades coincide with a larger, ongoing renovation of the convention center itself. Demolition of parts of the facility is scheduled to begin next summer, but the city will pause the work to accommodate FIFA’s needs during the tournament. This dual timeline reflects the complexity of the project but underscores Dallas’s commitment to balance long-term development with a short-term global opportunity.