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The scene repeats itself seemingly every day now.

Someone who hasn't been in the newly renovated (and recently renamed) City of San Angelo McNease Convention Center steps inside, gazes in wide-eyed wonder at the transformation, and begins oohing and ahhing over what the building has become.

The reviews of the $3.8 million renovation - the first significant face-lift the Convention Center has received since it opened 30 years ago - are in, and they can be summed up thusly: Wow.

Gone is the dark, almost cave-like feel that once enveloped the Convention Center, replaced by light, airy and inviting decor. Gone are the office spaces upstairs and on the building's north side, replaced by breakout meeting places that will make the facility more appealing to conventioneers. Gone is the drive-through portico at the building's south entrance, replaced by an elegant reception area.

Gone, too, is the disco ball in the main room. That has not been replaced because disco is dead.

While the striking cosmetic changes are the most noticeable change at the Convention Center, as important is the amount of space made available for use. Without expanding the structure, the renovation project managed to add nearly 7,000 square feet of space capable of accommodating another 1,110 people. That means the building now boasts 24,173 square feet with a capacity of 2,860 people.

Too, because each of the four meeting rooms can be configured into smaller spaces with retractable walls, we can host gatherings as small as 25 people.

The rate structure is equally accommodating. Local civic groups needing a meeting space that involves a minimal amount of set-up pay a mere $25 for two hours of use. Our 12,000-square-foot main room rents for an extremely reasonable $1,200 per day for a private event. All rates include amenities such as staffing, tables, chairs, sound, lighting, staging, linens and skirting.

Our customers are responding to the over-the-top service we strive to give, the simplicity of our rate structure and the attractiveness of our "new" facility.

In recent months, we have hosted the Tom Green County Friends of the Library's annual book sale, mediations and deposition-taking by attorneys, a Christian rock concert, the Blackshear school reunion, the West Texas Rehab's dinner show featuring Ronnie Millsap, the Texas Midwest Community Network's annual conference, and lots of weddings, quinceaneras and other private affairs.

For the first time in a long time, San Angeloans have a civic center in which they can take pride. That's satisfying for those of us who work for the city, as well. After all, the bulk of the Convention Center's restoration was funded by half-cent sales tax dollars that you, the citizens, approved. We want the whole of the community to come here, use and appreciate its Convention Center.

And, hopefully, make a "wow" moment of your own.

Anthony Wilson is the civic events manager for the City of San Angelo. Contact him at anthony.wilson@sanangelotexas.us.

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