The historic Fort Worth Convention Center is hosting one last event before it’s demolished. “It’s Goin’ Down” takes place on September 20.
The Fort Worth Convention Center, AKA the “flying saucer,” welcomed guests for the first time in 1968. In the following years it played host to numerous iconic musical acts, like Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, the Eagles, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, the Bee Gees, Bob Marley, and Paul McCartney’s Wings. There was also a sold-out three night stint performed by Elvis in 1974, and a host of other exciting shows, sports moments, and more.
Now, the Convention Center is slated for demolition and remediation at the beginning of 2027. It’s bittersweet for residents as it’s always difficult to say goodbye to local staples while acknowledging the city’s need and desire for growth and expansion. To help make the transition more sweet than bitter, the City of Fort Worth is hosting a family-friendly goodbye celebration, “It’s Goin’ Down,” on September 20.
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. that Sunday (doors open at 12 p.m.), visitors can take one last look around the venue and enjoy concessions, live music, an exhibit dedicated to the building’s history, commemorative merchandise, activities, and a DJ playing songs from performers who have taken to the Convention Center stage over the decades. The best part? It’s completely free to attend.
Mayor Mattie Parker spoke about the upcoming celebration in a news release, writing, “In true Fort Worth form, we will say farewell to our storied arena with a finale for North Texas residents and visitors. Fort Worth continues to lead as an ‘unexpected city,’ one that celebrates who we are, honors where we’ve been, and most importantly, celebrates where we’re going as we look ahead to the exciting convention center expansion in 2030.”
Additional details
If you’re heading to the “It’s Goin’ Down” celebration on September 20, parking is available near the Fort Worth Convention Center in two designated garages, as well as surface lots. Exact locations and information can be found here. Meters are free on Sundays, and the Blue Line circulator is also free to use. The TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express run downtown on the weekends.
The general manager for the Fort Worth Convention Center and the City’s Public Events Department director Cynthia Sanchez Serrano spoke about the importance of celebrating in the venue one last time. In a statement, Serrano wrote, “Like many Fort Worthians, I attended the circus and sporting events in the arena and worked behind the scenes in operations here for more than a decade. We look forward to welcoming everyone to reminisce and make new memories in this space. A lot has gone down in this building and we’re excited about what’s coming up.”
On the horizon for the Fort Worth Convention Center is a multi-million dollar expansion project. Phase 1 was finished in 2025 and Phase 2 is up next, which will see the existing building being updated, as well as “a new, flexible convention building in place of the 1968 arena and modernize the existing building that has not been significantly renovated since the previous expansion in 2003.”
Ahead of the “It’s Goin’ Down” event and the building’s eventual demolition, the City of Fort Worth is requesting photos of the arena and memorabilia from the public. Anything from ticket stubs to show programs to t-shirts, posters, and more will be gladly accepted, and potentially included in the upcoming historical exhibit. Submissions can be made here.
