History
San Diego voters approved a measure to fund construction of a new convention center in 1983 on land owned by the Port of San Diego. Construction of the original building began in March 1987 and was completed in November 1989. An expansion which doubled the gross square footage of the facility was completed in September 2001. In September 2008 the center took steps to acquire adjacent property for an additional expansion.
Notable events hosted at the convention center include the annual Comic Con International convention, the Society for Neuroscience and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention. Television game show Wheel of Fortune did live tapings of shows at the Convention Center featuring contestants from the San Diego area that aired nationally in 1997, 2003 and 2007. It hosted the 1996 Republican National Convention, which nominated Bob Dole and Jack Kemp for President and Vice President of the United States, respectively. It was also the venue for the 2007 California Democratic Party Convention. Famous guests have included Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Selena, Halle Berry and Hugh Jackman.
The new Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, opened in the Spring of 2011, which links the Convention Center with the neighborhoods on the other side of Harbor Drive.
Read more about this topic: San Diego Convention Center
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