LISTEN: Fargodome Authority President Dave Suppes’ conversation with Steve Hallstrom
FARGO, N.D. – After two failed attempts in the last three years to build a convention center near the Fargodome, the Fargodome Authority changes things up by adding a hotel and entertainment district to its plan before the Fargo City Commission.
On The Flag, President Dave Suppes said the $40 million convention center would be constructed in the south parking lot across from the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. It would be 100,000 square feet with a 50,000 square feet ballroom space. This would eliminate 300 to 400 parking spots.
“We’ve had discussions with [North Dakota State University] to look at their properties that they have around it we can use for parking. It would be a net loss in parking, but we’re looking to minimize that as much as possible,” Suppes explained on “The Steve Hallstrom Show”.
Suppes said at full capacity events at the Fargodome, all parking spaces tend to be used.
A hotel with 140 to 160 rooms would also be built to the east of the Fargodome across the street. Walkways are planned to connect the convention center with The SHAC and the hotel.
An entertainment district costing between $100 and $150 million Suppes compares to the Dinkytown neighborhood surrounding the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis is also part of the project. It would include restaurants, a plaza and an outdoor theatre.
The convention center would be run by the Fargodome Authority hotel and entertainment district would be managed by a private company.
Other locations the City Commission is considering for the convention center is near Brewhalla, Scheels Arena and the Fargo Civic Center. Construction for the winning bid will be funded with a 3% lodging tax voters approved in November 2024. City leaders say it’s expected to raise $3 million per year.
