Convention Center Committee - March 10, 2026

Present: Katlyn Balstad, Charley Johnson, Clare Hughes, Joe Raso, Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Taylor Snelling, Denise Kolpack, Tim Mahoney (via conference call), Dave Piepkorn (via conference call), Shannon Full, Michelle Turnberg.

Absent: John Strand.

Others Present: Shirley Hughes, Erik Johnson (via conference call), Susan Thompson.

FARGODOME Convention Center
Presenting team was David Suppes, Fargo Dome Authority; Bob Cunningham, Kraus- Anderson; Don Dethlefs, Perkins and Will Architects; Rich Wiemken, RLE Architects; Rob Sobolik, FARGODOME; Rick Berg, North Dakota State University (NDSU); Rick Steen, Fargo Dome Authority (via conference call).
The Fargo Dome Authority (FDA) presented a proposal to locate the new Convention Center adjacent to the existing FARGODOME. The FDA argues this site offers the strongest long-term solution due to its integrated infrastructure, operational depth and proximity to NDSU.
Key Project Components:
• Stand-alone Capability: The Convention Center is designed to operate independently or in conjunction with the FARGODOME.
• Scale: When combined with the FARGODOME, the facility would be the largest of its kind in the Dakotas, surpassing facilities in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
• Economic Impact: The proposal contemplates a $120 million economic development project for the City of Fargo.
• Exhibit Space: The plan includes 52,000 square feet of exhibit and ballroom space, exceeding the original RFQ request of 50,000 square feet.
• Pre-function Area: The proposal offers 24,000 square feet of pre-function concourse space, significantly higher than the 10,000 square feet suggested in the RFQ.
• Meeting Rooms: Includes 8,800 square feet of meeting rooms across two levels.
• Support Facilities: A dedicated 6,000-square-foot kitchen and 12,000 square feet of storage are included.
• Connectivity: The Center would be connected to the FARGODOME concourse and a new hotel via a skyway.
• Expansion: The building is designed to allow for future expansion to the west.
• Hotel: A proposed 150 to 200-room hotel. Discussions have been held with Marriott (Tribute or AC brands) and Hilton (Graduate, Embassy Suites or Tapestry brands).
• Amenities: Plans include a restaurant, flex meeting space and a potential rooftop bar.
• Retail/Entertainment: Four distinct buildings are proposed to the east, designed to be phased in.
• "Town Green:” A central outdoor space featuring ample seating and an outdoor stage for music and events.
• Design Process: The team plans to use a "design charrette" to collaborate with stakeholders and refine the final solution.
The facility is designed to support diverse events beyond traditional conventions, including:
• Large-scale Expos: Utilizing the 80,000-square-foot FARGODOME floor.
• Sports Tourism: Capacity for multiple courts (basketball, volleyball, pickleball).
• Synergy: Ability to coordinate with the NDSU "SHAC" for even larger sporting events.

Brewhalla Convention Center
Presenting team was Mark Bjornstad, President and Co-founder, Drekker Brewing Company/Brewhalla; Kevin Bartram, MBA Architects/MBA Development; Rob Remark, Design Lead, JLG Architects
• Purpose: The proposal outlines a dedicated, 117,000-square-foot Fargo Convention Center and connected hotel located west of Brewhalla.
• Mission Statement: "Create experiences, destroy expectations.”
• Strategic Goal: To establish Fargo as a premier destination through "extreme outlier" hospitality.
• Project Readiness: The team stated the plan is "shovel ready," with controlled land, a committed hotel partner and a structured financing plan.
• Location: Situated along First Avenue North, approximately one mile from Broadway and 1.5 miles from the I-29/I-94 corridor.
• Facility Highlights:
o Event Hall: A 50,500-square-foot, column-free ballroom divisible into seven adaptable spaces.
o Natural Light: Design prioritizes views and natural light in the exhibit hall and pre-function areas.
o Back-of-House: Includes 10,000 square feet of storage, a 14-foot-wide service corridor and specialized "green rooms.”
o Parking: 460 new on-grade stalls with expansion potential for more than 874 total stalls in the surrounding area.
• Connectivity: Features a two-story atrium "connector" and a 20,000-square-foot pre-function "public spine" designed for networking and incubation.
• Collaboration: A strategic partnership with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) was proposed.
• Booking Strategy: CVB will focus on long-term national conferences and associations (18+ month window).
o Brewhalla Team: Will handle short-term local events, such as weddings, expos and meetings, to maximize revenue during open calendar windows.
• City Benefits: The land is offered at no cost to the City, with no acquisition risk or land swaps required.
• Risk Mitigation: The financing structure is designed to reduce taxpayer risk while providing for long-term maintenance and capital reinvestment.
• Catalyst Effect: The project aims to stimulate additional development across the neighborhood, increasing property and sales tax revenue.
• Short-term Booking: In response to concerns from Shirley Hughes (CVB), the presenters clarified that the Brewhalla team’s existing expertise in local event booking will complement the CVB’s long-term sales efforts to ensure the facility remains active and profitable.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:19 p.m.