Pasadena Convention Center Plans $3 Million Capital Improvement Project

The Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC) announced plans for a $3 million capital improvement project at the Civic Auditorium, focusing primarily on renovating the facility’s plaza and addressing persistent leaking issues.

The announcement came during the Economic Development & Technology Committee special meeting on Thursday, May 8, when several city operating companies presented their budget plans for the upcoming fiscal year.

“Our goal is to keep things very tight,” said Michael Ross, Chief Executive Officer of the Pasadena Center Operating Company Board.

“This year we anticipate that total expenses will grow just over 3%. And we do have a $3 million capital improvement project. It’s a big number for us.”

The capital project continues a multi-year renovation effort for the Civic Auditorium.

Ross explained that previous phases have focused on the exterior of the building, including waterproofing, painting, and roof repairs. The upcoming phase will address the plaza and leakage issues in chorus rooms and meeting rooms located on the east side.

“We ended up getting a $2.5 million loan from the city to be used for that project and we’re now in the third phase of it,” Ross said. “The Civic [Auditorium] itself is done, it’s all painted, it’s all waterproofed. It looks gorgeous. Now it’s time for the plaza.”

Despite economic challenges, PCOC expects total revenue to grow by 3.7% in the coming fiscal year, while expenses will rise 3.2% (due to inflation and increased costs.)

The operating company’s fiscal year 2025 revised budget shows decreases attributed to a six-week closure when the convention center served as a shelter during recent fires. PCOC has submitted a $2.6 million claim to the city to recoup these losses and anticipates transferring about $1.5 million.

The organization identified several additional challenges for the upcoming year, including flat transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues, potentially down hotel occupancies, and reductions in space and revenue from America’s Got Talent tapings. NBC reportedly cut $10 million from the show’s budget, condensing 16 weeks into 12 weeks of production.

Ice rink revenues and participation continue to remain strong, generating approximately $1.3 to $1.4 million net this year.

Councilmember Seve Madison advocated for building a double ice rink, noting it would generate substantially more revenue.

“If you had two … you could do tournaments and figure skating shows and that in turn generates hotel revenue,” Madison said, adding that it would provide positive activities for youth and the community.

To address challenges, PCOC plans to increase spending on leisure advertising to counter fire-related misconceptions about Pasadena’s availability for visitors.

After the fires, there was a drop of about 40% in travel to the LA area, officials revealed.

The PCOC will also continue partnerships with Visit California, the LA Dodgers, and the Rose Bowl for upcoming events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and the Club World Cup coming in June.

The opening of a 194-room AC hotel in April will have its first full year of operation starting July 1st, adding to the hotel inventory while affecting occupancy rates.

PCOC also continues to invest in its online presence with “a new website, new video, new photography, new social media” to “stay relevant and up to date.”

The committee also heard presentations from Pasadena Media (Community Access Corporation) and the Economic Development Department, with both organizations highlighting their efforts to support the city during the recent fires while maintaining tight budget controls.

Committee members expressed appreciation for the convention center’s quick conversion to a shelter during the fire emergency.

Vice Mayor Tyron Hampton said, “I was never there when I didn’t see all of you … anytime of day. I don’t know if you didn’t sleep for six weeks or what — but you were open, and friendly, and warm, and it was some of my proudest moments in Pasadena.”