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Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center with Tacoma Link streetcar passing
A Tacoma Link streetcar passing the convention center.

The Greater Tacoma Convention Center is a large building in downtown Tacoma, Washington. It's a place where many different groups can meet for events, shows, and conferences. The center first opened its doors in November 2004. People often say it's the second biggest meeting spot in Western Washington.

What's Inside the Convention Center?

This big building is located at 1500 Commerce Street. It has a huge amount of space for meetings and events. Imagine a giant hall that's 50,000 sq ft (4,600 m2) – that's how big the main exhibition hall is! It's so large, it doesn't even have columns in the middle, making it perfect for big displays.

Rooms for Every Event

Besides the main hall, there's also a 13,650 sq ft (1,268 m2) ballroom. This room is great for dances, banquets, or big presentations. The center also has eleven smaller rooms. These are called "breakout rooms" and come in different sizes. They are perfect for smaller group discussions or workshops during a larger event.

Getting There and Parking

If you visit the convention center, there are 400 parking spots right there. It's also easy to get to using public transportation. The Tacoma Link streetcar stops right at the Convention Center/S. 15th Street station. You can also take Pierce Transit buses, which have stops nearby on Pacific Avenue, Market Street, and 13th Street.

The Commerce Room

In September 2010, the convention center added a new meeting space called the Commerce Room. This room added over 1,800 square feet (170 m2) of extra space. The Commerce Room can be used as another breakout room for big conventions. It can also be used on its own for smaller events, holding up to 180 people.

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