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Transformation in Progress
COBO CENTER
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N EARLY 2014, A BRAND-NEW COBO CENTER will debut in downtown Detroit after a six-year, $221-million transformation. Along with new ballrooms, exhibit space, and revamped high- tech meeting rooms, the center will debut an entirely upgraded look showcasing its prime waterfront location. Located just inside the main entrance, a dramatic new three-story glass atrium serves as a focal point for the
center, giving attendees clear views of the majes- tic Detroit River — and adding a seamless connec- tion from the main hall to the lower-level exhibition area.
Upon arriving at the Cobo Center, convention
attendees will immediately notice the center’s new look. The primary façade facing downtown will be glass-enclosed to open up the space to the city, and a new, oversized “media mesh” sign (a programma- ble LED system displaying images and video) will create a platform to promote events and welcome guests to the new Cobo Center. Other exterior upgrades include an entrance to a completely over- hauled food court with new restaurants, as well as a new entrance to the lower-level convention space. Previously considered an after- thought, the 100,000-square-foot lower-level show floor will, along with the addition of 25,000 square feet on the first level, increase the Cobo Center’s current capability to host more than 95 percent of the world’s largest conventions.
Upon arriving at the Cobo Center, convention attendees will immedi- ately notice the center’s new look.
The Cobo Arena, once a premier sports and entertainment venue,
will also find new life as the region’s newest banquet and event space. Equipped with a hydraulic lift stage for dramatic introduc- tions, the arena will become a 40,000-square-foot ballroom comple- mented by glass-enclosed prefunction space and an open-air ter- race, both of which will overlook the Detroit River and the skyline of Windsor, Ontario. Meeting planners can also look forward to reconfig- ured meeting rooms in the south side of the facility, which have been upgraded with the latest in technology and AV capabilities. And to fur- ther take advantage of the Cobo’s riverside location, high-efficiency
pcma convene November 2011 ✱
NEW BEGINNING: Completed in three
phases, the reinvention of the Cobo Center will alter the way meet- ing planners and their attendees see Detroit as a convention destination.
glass walls will replace most of the exterior walls facing the river, in order to let in more natural light and fabulous views. The Motor City is no stranger to exceeding expectations, and the
new Cobo Center will be no exception. With this new asset, Detroit — a former two-time host to the Super Bowl and a stronghold of the American work ethic — is now set to become a global leader for host- ing world-class conventions, meetings, and events. n
AT A GLANCE
Convention facilities: When the $221-million transformation is completed in 2014, the Cobo Center will offer a total of 725,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 40,000-square-foot divisible ball- room, 100 meeting/breakout rooms, 2,200 parking spaces, and 31 loading docks. Hotel rooms within walking distance: 5,000 On-site services and amenities: Food court, business center, complimentary Wi-Fi, recycling stations, ATM, and mailing services
For more information: Cobo Center; (313) 877-8777; info@cobo center.com; www.cobocenter.com