In a pivotal decision that solidifies Dallas’ role as a global media hub in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Dallas City Council is funding $15 million to upgrade the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center into an international broadcast center. officially recognized the dollar.
The Dallas City Council passed the bill unanimously at Wednesday’s meeting after about an hour of discussion, questions and excitement over the world’s most-watched sporting event.
The next step is to move forward with a deal with FIFA, which had already chosen Dallas to host its International Broadcasting Center (IBC).
The North Texas region is preparing to host several matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a lengthy bid with other North American cities. Leaders from Dallas and other North Texas cities, AT&T Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, Dallas Sports Commission, DFW Airport, Love Field, and other city, regional, state, and national organizations win this bid. We have been working together for many years.
The title of IBC host is another highlight for Dallas. Dallas previously hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup when IBC’s facility was located at Fair Park. This past experience likely gave Dallas an advantage over Atlanta in the latest bidding process.
A newly approved $15 million investment will fund significant upgrades to the convention center’s infrastructure. This includes enhancements to climate control, power supply, and other critical features required for the IBC to operate efficiently.
The Dallas City Council is expected to approve a multimillion-dollar budget to allow downtown Dallas to serve as a staging area for broadcasters from around the world during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. NBC 5’s Larry Collins has the details.
FIFA will occupy the facility for eight months starting in January 2026 to prepare and construct a broadcasting center.
This upgrade coincides with a major renovation of the convention center currently underway. Demolition of part of the facility will begin next summer, but the city will suspend construction during the tournament to accommodate FIFA’s needs. This dual schedule reflects the project’s complexity but underscores Dallas’ commitment to balancing long-term development with short-term global opportunities.
“This is the perfect backdrop for those who literally broadcast from our downtown to every corner of the globe. No event unites us as global citizens like the FIFA World Cup,” said Downtown Dallas CEO Jennifer Su. Cripps said during his address to the council Wednesday.
City officials also touted the significant economic benefits of hosting the IBC. FIFA estimates that Dallas’ role as World Cup host city, which includes nine games at AT&T Stadium, 39 days of Fan Fest at Fair Park, and the IBC, will generate $2 billion in economic impact for the region.
Before voting, council members discussed logistics, costs and potential return on investment with the World Cup Organizing Committee.
An official press conference to share details of the initiative was scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed until after the new year. City officials said the postponement will allow the Planning Commission to explore additional opportunities related to the World Cup’s broader impact on Dallas.
