ANAHEIM, CA - (May 11, 2012) -

WHAT:
The Anaheim Convention Center will begin construction of the 100,000 square foot Grand Plaza, a vibrant open-air meeting and event space by which convention goers and local businesses and residents can expand their meeting space options while enjoying Southern California’s mild climate. Construction will be completed January 2013.

The Grand Plaza will include a pedestrian oriented plaza, 153 palm trees (65 of which are re-purposed from the existing landscape), 60 citrus trees reminiscent of Anaheim and Orange County’s citrus industry, a river of lights that will run through the middle of the plaza, water features, a 48-foot lighted entry monument, and more than 80,000 square feet of colored concrete and pavers.

The Grand Plaza is the sixth major construction project added to the Anaheim Convention Center. The LEED-certified Anaheim Convention, the largest convention center on the west coast, sits in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, and is remains a popular meeting space choice for guests both locally and from around the world.

For an interactive video please click here.

WHERE:
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92802

WHEN:
Tuesday, May 15
11 a.m.
Free media parking is available; please identify Grand Plaza attendance to the parking attendant

WHO:
Tom Tait, Mayor, City of Anaheim
Charles Ahlers, President, Anaheim/OC Visitor and Convention Bureau
Tony Bruno, Chairman of the Board, Anaheim/OC Visitor and Convention Bureau
Tom Morton, Executive Director, Anaheim Convention, Sports and Entertainment

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

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ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

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