APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – From a ceremonial groundbreaking more than a year ago, the Fox Cities Exhibition Center is nearly complete.
Pam Seidl, the executive director of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells FOX 11 they’re almost at the finish line.
“Very excited! Every time I come over something is finished or much further along than before.”
Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna says construction is on time and meeting its $31 million budget. Final details and decorations should go in, starting next week.
“You can see a lot of activity going on, a lot of electricians, a lot of people doing a lot of finish work.”
Wednesday, Fox Cities community and economic leaders checked out the progress.
“First of all, I think the community’s gonna like it, but, I think, more importantly, the people that come to visit, I think they’re gonna love it,” said Hanna.
And, according to Seidl, visitors are already loving it.
“We had a nice tour with 50 meeting planners last week. They were very impressed with the facility, loved the setting.”
Seidl said the highlights are all of the windows, the natural lighting and large patio over looking Jones Park.
The park itself is scheduled for renovations in the coming year.
“When we get Jones Park done it’s just gonna provide a little different feel. I think it’s gonna be, it’s gonna feel very welcoming,” said Hanna.
Seidl says there are several bookings for the exhibition center through January, February and March. The hard work of selling the venue to event planners ramps up now.
“It doesn’t stop when it’s open. A lot of these groups are booking 3, 4, 5 years out. Visitors to the area, good exposure and, also, a great economic impact of visitor spending throughout the community, will be well worth it.”.
The grand opening is set for January 11th. There are more events booked through the rest of the month.
