Fort Worth

Convention center photos

Paul McCartney and Wings opened their first United States tour, “Wings Over America,” at the Tarrant County Convention Center, attracting a packed house which was sold out two months before the show. The ex-Beatle, Paul McCartney, is seen here performing on stage during the concert; 05/03/1976.
Paul McCartney and Wings opened their first United States tour, “Wings Over America,” at the Tarrant County Convention Center, attracting a packed house which was sold out two months before the show. The ex-Beatle, Paul McCartney, is seen here performing on stage during the concert; 05/03/1976. Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection UTA Libraries
October 1974: An aerial of newly completed Fort Worth Water Garden with the Convention Center and downtown skyline in the background.
October 1974: An aerial of newly completed Fort Worth Water Garden with the Convention Center and downtown skyline in the background. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
June 4, 1976: Elvis Presley in concert at Fort Worth Convention Center.
June 4, 1976: Elvis Presley in concert at Fort Worth Convention Center. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
President Jimmy Carter speaks at a podium at Tarrant County Convention Center on June 23, 1978. Star-Telegram Executive Editor Jack Tinsley is seated directly left of Carter, with Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas next to him.
President Jimmy Carter speaks at a podium at Tarrant County Convention Center on June 23, 1978. Star-Telegram Executive Editor Jack Tinsley is seated directly left of Carter, with Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas next to him. Willis Knight Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
September 1965: Demolition of Victor Hotel, 1312-1/2 Main Street, to make room for Tarrant County Convention Center.
September 1965: Demolition of Victor Hotel, 1312-1/2 Main Street, to make room for Tarrant County Convention Center. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Nov. 22, 1968: The grand opening of the Tarrant County Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth.
Nov. 22, 1968: The grand opening of the Tarrant County Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
March 17, 2001: Erik Ahlund, 16, throws a green St. Patrick’s Day streamer at 18-year-old B.J. Cotton during a Brahmas hockey game at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
March 17, 2001: Erik Ahlund, 16, throws a green St. Patrick’s Day streamer at 18-year-old B.J. Cotton during a Brahmas hockey game at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Brooks Whittington Special to the STAR-TELEGRAM
Fort Worth aerial looking northeast showing Tarrant County Convention Center in 1977.
Fort Worth aerial looking northeast showing Tarrant County Convention Center in 1977. W.D. Smith Commercial Photograph Star-Telegram Archives
In 1971, the Fort Worth Wings and Dallas Blackhawks drew a record crowd of 10,107 to what is now the Fort Worth Convention Center.
In 1971, the Fort Worth Wings and Dallas Blackhawks drew a record crowd of 10,107 to what is now the Fort Worth Convention Center. Al Panzera, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection UT Arlington Library Special Collections
Guests and employees from the Radisson Hotel seek shelter in the shade of the Fort Worth Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth on Sept. 11, 2001. The hotel was evacuated due to bomb threats after terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon.
Guests and employees from the Radisson Hotel seek shelter in the shade of the Fort Worth Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth on Sept. 11, 2001. The hotel was evacuated due to bomb threats after terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon. Ron T. Ennis FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM
Jan. 14, 1968: The Tarrant County Convention Center under construction. The complex was built over a large section of what was once Hell’s Half Acre.
Jan. 14, 1968: The Tarrant County Convention Center under construction. The complex was built over a large section of what was once Hell’s Half Acre. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
A procession of men on horseback in downtown Fort Worth during President Jimmy Carter’s visit to the city on June 23, 1978, appearing to be staging a protest outside the Tarrant County convention center, where Carter was to speak at a luncheon. Gene Gordon
A procession of men on horseback in downtown Fort Worth during President Jimmy Carter’s visit to the city on June 23, 1978, appearing to be staging a protest outside the Tarrant County convention center, where Carter was to speak at a luncheon. Gene Gordon Gene Gordon Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Carter walks along the edge of a crowd waving and shaking hands with people.
President Jimmy Carter enters the Tarrant County Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth for a luncheon on June 23, 1978.
Tickets to Paul McCartney and Wings tour-opening show at Tarrant County Convention Center on May 3, 1976 were sold out months in advance. The “Wings Over America” tour was the first time McCartney had played North America since The Beatles last tour in the summer of 1966.
Tickets to Paul McCartney and Wings tour-opening show at Tarrant County Convention Center on May 3, 1976 were sold out months in advance. The “Wings Over America” tour was the first time McCartney had played North America since The Beatles last tour in the summer of 1966. Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection UTA Libraries
Hostesses swapped stories and jokes as they wait for President Jimmy Carter to arrive at the Tarrant County Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth. The Exhibits Hall was transformed into a giant dining room, suitable for 5,000 persons for the visit on June 23, 1978.
Hostesses swapped stories and jokes as they wait for President Jimmy Carter to arrive at the Tarrant County Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth. The Exhibits Hall was transformed into a giant dining room, suitable for 5,000 persons for the visit on June 23, 1978. Gene Gordon Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Paul McCartney and Wings opened their first United States tour, “Wings Over America,” at the Tarrant County Convention Center, attracting a packed house which was sold out two months before the show. Seen here is a shot of the cheering audience; 05/03/1976.
Paul McCartney and Wings opened their first United States tour, “Wings Over America,” at the Tarrant County Convention Center, attracting a packed house which was sold out two months before the show. Seen here is a shot of the cheering audience; 05/03/1976. Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection UTA Libraries

This story was originally published October 14, 2023 at 5:00 AM.

Profile Image of Matt Leclercq
Matt Leclercq
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Matt Leclercq was senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from 2021 to 2026. He is now editor of The Charlotte Observer and can be reached at mleclercq@charlotteobserver.com. 
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