MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After years of planning and construction, Milwaukee's expanded convention center is now ready for business.
You're looking at what is now called the Baird Center. On Thursday, May 16, a ribbon cutting was held for the facility that should bring tens of thousands more to the city every year.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this morning. The expansion doubles the size of what used to be called the Wisconsin Center. It now has a north building and a south building.
The Baird Center offers 1.3 million square feet of exhibition center. That makes it easier not only to host bigger gathers, but also to host more events at the same time.
"As you know, we're a city of small businesses. the majority of our restaurants, our bars, our retail, all of that are owned here, they're owned locally, their money stays here. And all of these businesses will benefit from the expansion of the convention center," said Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO of Visit Milwaukee.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson says he's certain the expanded convention center will help the city reach the goal he's set. A population of one million residents.
If you would like to look around at the Baird Center, there's an open house on Saturday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.