LAS VEGAS -- Today, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) unveiled the Diamond Lot—its new parking and outdoor exhibition space. The launch finalizes Phase I of the Las Vegas Convention Center District (LVCCD) project.

Dignitaries and other invited guests gathered to celebrate the new lot occupying the former Riviera Hotel & Casino site. The event included presentations from LVCVA president/CEO Rossi Ralenkotter and Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro.

“The Diamond Lot represents the first step in our commitment to Las Vegas’ future with the expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center,” said Ralenkotter. “The development of the Las Vegas Convention Center District will provide our clients with the premier facility they want and need, and it will support thousands of jobs and increased economic activity in our community.”

The exclusive event was held one day ahead of CES® 2017, the largest trade show in North America. This year’s show is expected to attract more than 165,000 attendees and will be the first trade show to make use of the new outdoor space.

In October 2016, the Nevada State Legislature approved legislation to help fund the expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The project will add 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, new meeting rooms and other amenities; as well as renovating the entire existing property. The project will continue to cement Las Vegas as North America’s premier business destination, allowing shows to grow in both square footage and attendance. The development of the state-of-the-art facility is expected to generate more than 13,800 construction jobs and support 7,800 full-time permanent jobs.

The 26.36-acre Diamond Lot includes:

- 20 acres of available outdoor exhibit space

- 3,100 parking spaces

- Three acres of landscaped walkways

- Four vehicle access locations

- 1,800 amps of power in four locations on the parking/outdoor exhibit space

- Telecommunications and property-wide surveillance capabilities