Major Expansion Begins at Albany Capital Center, Paving the Way for Larger-scale Events
Two national sporting events have been contracted for 2027
Pictures from the groundbreaking are available here with captions at the conclusion of the release. Photo credit: Baker Public Relations.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Representatives of the Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) were joined today by state and local dignitaries to break ground on a $54.9 million expansion of the Albany Capital Center (ACC).
“The groundbreaking of the Albany Capital Center expansion reflects Governor Hochul’s vision for a stronger, more connected capital city,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “By investing in modern, flexible space that attracts world-class conferences and events, we are creating jobs, driving economic activity, and advancing the Championing Albany’s Potential Initiative to ensure New York’s capital thrives for generations to come.”
In July, Governor Hochul awarded the ACCA a $10 million grant in support of the expansion. The grant complements her $400 million investment that launched the Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative.
“As we embark on the expansion of the Albany Capital Center, the ACC is not just increasing square footage; they are connecting rich history with modern innovation,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Creating a vibrant synergy between the historic property along State Street and our state-of-the-art facility on Eagle Street, the project will provide exciting opportunities for economic growth, tourism and a brighter future for Albany County.”
Connecting State and Eagle Streets, the expansion project will result in a total of 84,000 square feet of rentable space and will include two ballrooms, multiuse space, five meeting rooms, a 3,000 square foot outdoor courtyard and 10,000 square feet of offices and storage. Today’s celebration took place where the future outdoor courtyard will be constructed.
“The Albany Capital Center expansion is a pivotal step in positioning our city as a premier destination for larger, events, trade shows and so much more. The project will not only fuel economic growth, but it will also provide wonderful opportunities to showcase our city’s vibrant culture and offerings. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this space in the City of Albany, and continuing to invest in the Capital City,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
“Everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Albany County wins today. A heartfelt thank you to Governor Hochul and her team for believing and investing in the capital city and adding a keystone piece to this partnership between New York state, Albany County and the Albany Convention Center Authority. The shockwave of economic activity that emanates from this expansion – built on an exceptional working relationship between the County and the Convention Center Authority – will bring tens of millions of dollars into downtown Albany and throughout Albany County. We are thrilled to be part of this incredible team that did the work, put the local legislation in place, partnered with our state colleagues and cleared the way for this expansion that we celebrate today,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham.
The expansion has already attracted two large-scale events for 2027 when the project is slated for completion. The USA Powerlifting (USAPL) High School Nationals will be bringing an estimated 1,000 people to the capital city in March of that year, while two months later, the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Raw Nationals will draw an estimated 2,500 people to downtown Albany.
“These events are just the beginning of a new era for the ACC and downtown Albany,” said Shannon Licygiewicz, general manager of the Albany Capital Center. “This expansion project will allow us to continue to meet the growing needs of our current clients as well as attract new clients from across the meeting and event industry. We are excited and honored to have this opportunity to help showcase our destination in a new way.”
The ACC opened its doors in 2017 and has hosted more than 1,200 events. These events have collectively attracted more than 660,000 visitors to Albany, generating $100 million in total new visitor spending and adding over 138,000 hotel room night stays in the Capital Region.
“We are very proud of what we have already accomplished in less than a decade, and we are tremendously excited about what this expansion will mean for our next decade and beyond,” said Albany County Convention Center Authority Executive Director and CEO Monica Kurzejeski. “With the steadfast support and collaborative spirit of our state and local government, we are together building a vibrant space that will uplift our community, welcome visitors and grow our economy.”
A study commissioned by HVS Global Hospitality Services estimates the expansion will generate more than $60 million in total visitor spending in the city and county and a 57% increase in events and conferences.
Photo captions:
ACC Groundbreaking_1.17.1: (L to R) Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham, Albany County Comptroller Susan Rizzo, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham, Albany County District 1 Legislator Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin, Albany County Convention Center Authority Executive Director and CEO Monica Kurzejeski, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh, Albany County Convention Center Authority Board Chair Michele Vennard, Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero and Albany Chief City Auditor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs break ground at the Albany Capital Center’s 126 State Street expansion project.
ACC Groundbreaking_1.17.3: (L to R) Albany County District 1 Legislator Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin, Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham, Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Albany County Deputy Executive Mike McLaughlin, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Comptroller Susan Rizzo, Albany Chief City Auditor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs, Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, Albany County Convention Center Authority Executive Director and CEO Monica Kurzejeski and Albany County Convention Center Authority Board Chair Michele Vennard sitting on a beam with the 126 State Street building in the background.
ACC Groundbreaking_1.18.2: Members of the Albany Convention Center Authority Board break ground at the Albany Capital Center’s 126 State Street expansion project. (L to R): Joseph Bonilla, Sarah Reginelli, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh, Board Chair Michele Vennard, Dominick Purnomo, Albany County Deputy Executive Mike McLaughlin, Executive Director and CEO Monica Kurzejeski and Jahkeen Hoke.
About the Albany Capital Center:
Opened in March 2017, the Albany Capital Center (ACC), is a modern, premier event and meeting destination in New York’s culturally rich Capital Region. Connected to the MVP Arena, Empire State Plaza and Renaissance Albany Hotel via enclosed walkways, the convention center hosts a diverse array of trade shows, consumer and social events and meetings for up to 5,000 guests. It is conveniently located in downtown Albany and within walking distance of the New York State Capitol, business and warehouse districts, performing arts venues, museums, shops, restaurants and nightlife. The ACC is operated by leading venue manager Legends Global and is owned and administered by the Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA). For more information about the ACC, visit www.albanycapitalcenter.com.
About the Albany Convention Center Authority:
Established in 2004 by act of the New York State Legislature, the Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) was designated to plan, develop, design, construct and operate a convention center and related facilities in downtown Albany. Its first project, the Albany Capital Center, has held over 1,200 events, attended by over 660,000 visitors, booking 138,000 hotel room nights and generating $100 million in new visitor spending. The positive economic impact generated by the Albany Capital Center serves as a catalyst for further economic development to the benefit of Albany and the Capital Region. For more information about the ACCA and its economic impact, visit: https://www.albanycapitalcenter.com/acca.
About Legends Global:
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility & consulting, owner’s rep, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content & booking. Through our white-label approach, we keep our partners front and center while leveraging the power of our global network: over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually. To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.