The Greenville Convention Center began its legacy in 1964, with the completion of the $1.5 million Textile Hall, just in time to host the prestigious 23rd Southern Textile Exposition. This significant moment was followed by the inaugural Greenville Auto Show in February 1965, marking the first public event held at the new venue.
As the Upstate’s textile industry thrived, so did the Center, transforming into a regional hub for major events. In March 1966, the Rev. Billy Graham’s Southern Piedmont Crusade brought nearly 280,000 attendees over 10 days, a massive turnout that underscored the venue’s growing importance to Greenville. Later that same year, a 66,000 square-foot expansion brought the total space to 315,000 square feet, allowing the venue to accommodate even larger gatherings.
Throughout the years, the Center has hosted a wide range of landmark events. In 1973, the Seventh Annual Health and Science Fair welcomed Apollo 16 astronaut and South Carolina native Charlie Duke, one of just 12 men to walk on the moon. The Center’s versatility continued to shine in 1984 when the inaugural Bi-Lo Food and Nutrition Expo took place, featuring appearances by Venessa Williams, Miss America 1984.
By the early 1990s, the demand for more space led to another $12 million expansion, and in 1993, the James Woodside Conference Center officially opened, adding 88,000 square feet of additional meeting space to the facility. As Greenville grew, so did the Center’s significance, attracting high-profile events like the 1997 Greenville Star Trek Convention, which featured sci-fi icons Marina Sirtis and George Takei.
In 2001, the City of Greenville stepped in to purchase the Palmetto Expo Center, preventing foreclosure and safeguarding its future. Just a few years later, in 2005, the facility showcased its community spirit by providing shelter to evacuees fleeing Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. A new chapter began in 2007 when Carolina First Bank purchased the naming rights and announced a $22 million renovation to modernize the facility. This transformation, completed in 2008, expanded the exhibit space to 275,000 square feet, added a 30,000 square-foot ballroom, and provided state-of-the-art meeting rooms, solidifying the Greenville Convention Center as one of the Southeast’s premier venues.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive deeper into the Center’s role in shaping Greenville’s community, economy, and future growth!
