From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 20s
Fort Worth's Flying Saucer Arena closes after 58 years
The iconic 1968 convention center hosts its final public event before demolition makes way for modern expansion.
In brief
The iconic 1968 convention center hosts its final public event before demolition makes way for modern expansion. Fort Worth's distinctive flying saucer arena, a downtown landmark since 1968, held its last public event on September 20, 2026, before demolition in early 2027 to make room for expanded convention space…
Flying saucer's final bow
Fort Worth closed its iconic flying saucer arena on September 20, 2026, with a free farewell event after 58 years of concerts, graduations, and civic gatherings.
“Fort Worth continues to lead as an 'unexpected city,' one that celebrates who we are, honors where we've been, and most importantly, celebrates where we're going.”
A landmark since 1968
The Tarrant County Convention Center opened in 1968, christened by Bob Hope, and became a downtown icon for its circular roofline and decades of major events.
Farewell celebration packed with history
The It's Goin' Down event featured live music spanning five decades, vendor booths, and a 10,000-square-foot historical exhibit. Organizers created a commemorative ticket inspired by a Rolling Stones floor ticket from 1972 found in storage.
Modern convention space coming
The arena is being demolished in early 2027 as part of a 701 million dollar convention center expansion. The new space will allow Fort Worth to host multiple convention clients simultaneously.
Dickies Arena takes the torch
Dickies Arena, which opened in 2019, has already taken over many large concerts and sports events that once filled the flying saucer.
The big picture
Fort Worth's distinctive flying saucer arena, a downtown landmark since 1968, held its last public event on September 20, 2026, before demolition in early 2027 to make room for expanded convention space.
