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October 17, 2025Major Expansion Begins at Albany Capital Center, Paving the Way for Larger-scale Events
Representatives of the Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) were joined today by state and local dignitaries to break ground on a $54.9 million expansion of the Albany Capital Center (ACC).
“The groundbreaking of the Albany Capital Center expansion reflects Governor Hochul’s vision for a stronger, more connected capital city,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “By investing in modern, flexible space that attracts world-class conferences and events, we are creating jobs, driving economic activity, and advancing the Championing Albany’s Potential Initiative to ensure New York’s capital thrives for generations to come.”
In July, Governor Hochul awarded the ACCA a $10 million grant in support of the expansion. The grant complements her $400 million investment that launched the Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative.
“As we embark on the expansion of the Albany Capital Center, the ACC is not just increasing square footage; they are connecting rich history with modern innovation,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Creating a vibrant synergy between the historic property along State Street and our state-of-the-art facility on Eagle Street, the project will provide exciting opportunities for economic growth, tourism and a brighter future for Albany County.”
Connecting State and Eagle Streets, the expansion project will result in a total of 84,000 square feet of rentable space and will include two ballrooms, multiuse space, five meeting rooms, a 3,000 square foot outdoor courtyard and 10,000 square feet of offices and storage. Today’s celebration took place where the future outdoor courtyard will be constructed.
“The Albany Capital Center expansion is a pivotal step in positioning our city as a premier destination for larger, events, trade shows and so much more. The project will not only fuel economic growth, but it will also provide wonderful opportunities to showcase our city’s vibrant culture and offerings. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this space in the City of Albany, and continuing to invest in the Capital City,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
“Everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Albany County wins today. A heartfelt thank you to Governor Hochul and her team for believing and investing in the capital city and adding a keystone piece to this partnership between New York state, Albany County and the Albany Convention Center Authority. The shockwave of economic activity that emanates from this expansion – built on an exceptional working relationship between the County and the Convention Center Authority – will bring tens of millions of dollars into downtown Albany and throughout Albany County. We are thrilled to be part of this incredible team that did the work, put the local legislation in place, partnered with our state colleagues and cleared the way for this expansion that we celebrate today,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham.
The expansion has already attracted two large-scale events for 2027 when the project is slated for completion. The USA Powerlifting (USAPL) High School Nationals will be bringing an estimated 1,000 people to the capital city in March of that year, while two months later, the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Raw Nationals will draw an estimated 2,500 people to downtown Albany.
“These events are just the beginning of a new era for the ACC and downtown Albany,” said Shannon Licygiewicz, general manager of the Albany Capital Center. “This expansion project will allow us to continue to meet the growing needs of our current clients as well as attract new clients from across the meeting and event industry. We are excited and honored to have this opportunity to help showcase our destination in a new way.”
The ACC opened its doors in 2017 and has hosted more than 1,200 events. These events have collectively attracted more than 660,000 visitors to Albany, generating $100 million in total new visitor spending and adding over 138,000 hotel room night stays in the Capital Region.
“We are very proud of what we have already accomplished in less than a decade, and we are tremendously excited about what this expansion will mean for our next decade and beyond,” said Albany County Convention Center Authority Executive Director and CEO Monica Kurzejeski. “With the steadfast support and collaborative spirit of our state and local government, we are together building a vibrant space that will uplift our community, welcome visitors and grow our economy.”
A study commissioned by HVS Global Hospitality Services estimates the expansion will generate more than $60 million in total visitor spending in the city and county and a 57% increase in events and conferences.
