The City of Sacramento, along with its partners Visit Sacramento and SAFE Credit Union, will host a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 3 for the newly renovated and expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
Speakers will include Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Mayor Darrell Steinberg, District 4 Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, SAFE Credit Union President and CEO Dave Roughton and Visit Sacramento President and CEO Mike Testa.
“The convention center is situated in the heart of Sacramento’s Entertainment District where you will find world-class hotels, restaurants and retail stores,” said Matthew Voreyer, general manager of the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. “The increased exhibit and meeting space with its improved event flexibility will enhance the guest experience. Our new convention center will become part of the fabric that transforms our downtown core by drawing people together.”
Construction of the building is substantially complete, and the first citywide convention, SacAnime, is scheduled for September 2021.
“The construction of the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center moved with great momentum despite the pandemic,” said Ofelia Avalos, senior engineer and project manager. “The contractors adopted strict guidelines for everyone working and limited outside visitors. The project during its highest peak had about 300 workers per day.”
The SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center and the Memorial Auditorium now make up the SAFE Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts District. The City completed renovation of the Memorial Auditorium in May 2019, and the Performing Arts Center will be completed this summer.
“The City and its partners are very excited and looking forward to opening the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center,” said Project Manager Sabrina Tefft. “We’re confident this building will help invigorate downtown’s economy and will play a key role in Sacramento’s recovery from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In preparation for the ribbon cutting, the City will share a series of social media posts highlighting exciting new aspects of the renovated building.
The public is invited to watch the ribbon cutting ceremony live at 10 a.m. June 3.