Quote Originally Posted by Zads07 View Post
1. Probably a great idea to add more space to compete with some of the top convention centers in the United States. It currently has 2,400,000 sq. ft. but only tops out at 722,500 sq. ft. of exhibition space and that's good for 17th in the country. McCormick Place in Chicago has 2,670,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space and that tops the list.

2. With the resurgence of the city, more conventions are expected to come [[mind you this article is from this past July).

3. [[and my opinions) I love the idea of extending 3rd street to the river. The demolition of Joe Louis Arena should bring on an expansion hopefully for Cobo, but who knows with the company that has the rights to the land after it's demolished. Adding a luxury hotel with space connected to Cobo would be super helpful for future conventions.
Cobo has a huge location advantage over McCormick Place. Cobo is in the middle of downtown, with numerous hotels, bars, restaurants, etc. nearby. McCormick Place is nowhere near the desirable parts of Chicago. I went to a conference there about 15 years ago and it required a 30+ minute bus ride each way from the major hotels. This was a huge conference of nearly 10,000 people and everyone was so irritated that it has never been in Chicago again. Chicago is a great city to visit but the convention center sucks.