Gwinnett County's Board of Commissioner has given the green light to a plan that will significantly expand the Infinite Energy Center complex on the north side of the city.
Commissioners adopted the resolution Tuesday in support of Explore Gwinnett’s revised master plan for the complex, which is located on Sugarloaf Parkway at I-85 .
A press statement from the county said the overall plan includes an expansion of the exhibit hall, new outdoor gathering spaces, new parking lots and decks, a headquarters hotel, new and improved access to the center from surrounding roadways and additional arena seating, plus a mixed-use district that offers entertainment, dining, retail and housing options. The county already has acquired land adjacent to Meadow Church Road that will eventually become additional access points into and out of the complex.
“What began as a $30 million investment of SPLOST funds to build a civic and convention center nearly 30 years ago today includes an arts center, ballroom and the Infinite Energy Arena. My fellow board members and I are proud to support Explore Gwinnett’s plan to turn an already successful complex into a vibrant destination for residents and visitors to ‘come early and stay late,'" said Board Chairman Charlotte Nash in the prepared statement.
A one-year comparison of activity at the Infinite Energy Arena shows total attendance grew by more than 100,000 between 2014 and 2015 and the number of events and performances increased by about 20 percent during the same period. The existing 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall lets the Infinite Energy Forum compete for 20 percent of the mid-sized meetings in the industry, according to Explore Gwinnett CEO Preston Williams, who added that expanding to 125,000 square feet will let the Center compete for up to 70 percent of the meetings market.
“The Infinite Energy Center master plan has been part of our vision for 10-plus years. Expanding the convention center, creating the entertainment district and adding a headquarters hotel will elevate the Center to the next level of meeting facility," Williams said.
Currently, the Center generates more than $175 million in annual economic impact.
