Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/280564
B M & T ••• January/February 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 9 from across the country with the expanded center," Mayor Schmitt stated. "This expansion will be an economic driver for Green Bay, and we are very excited to get underway with the project." The expansion is expected to be completed June 2015. The cen- ter will include a 24,500-sq. ft. ballroom, and three additional meet- ing rooms of 5,330 sq. ft. The expansion will provide 30,700 sq. ft. of new meeting space bringing the center up to near 80,000 sq. ft. It will be able to host 3,000 people for a meeting and 2,000 for a meal. "Green Bay is a popular destination for convention attendees and vacationers alike," said Toll. "The Green Bay Packers have pro- vided our community with world-wide notoriety and, it seems, everyone that visits is very curious about this fan-owned profession- al sports franchise. Convention groups often see their attendance grow in Green Bay." The convention center expansion will be elevated over a street and an adjacent parking lot, providing sprawling views of the city and of the Fox River. A beautiful plaza for relaxing will double as out- door reception space. The headquarter hotel, Hyatt on Main anchors one side of the center, and the Clarion Hotel will be con- nected to the oppo site side of the facility. "I am very excited to share this great facility and the Greater Green Bay area with meeting planners," said Beth Ropson, director of Sales for the CVB. "With this expansion located along the beau- tiful Fox River, we have a great setting for planners to consider. The City of Green Bay has done a marvelous job of developing the river- front, providing planners with a great setting on the CityDeck to host receptions with musical entertainment. Dining options abound, from five stars to great sports bars (with a Packers theme, of course) and micro-breweries." It's well-known that Green Bay is home to one of the most icon- ic sports facilities in the world, historic Lambeau Field. Renovations in 2013 make it possible for conventions to hold events and meetings for groups of 10 to 80,000 in a wide variety of first class spaces. To learn more about the KI Convention Center expansion and the meetings and conventions product in Green Bay , contact the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau at (888) 867- 3342 or visit online at www.greenbay.com/convention_planner . •pg_3-11__BMT_pg3-58 2/27/14 3:05 PM Page 9