The biggest convention center complex in Alabama will soon be bigger. Approximately 250 guests, including city officials and hospitality industry leaders attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Due to be open by 2014, the expansion—which in essence is new but adjoining facility—will add  160,000 square feet of flat floor space for exhibitions and 57,000 seats, expandable to 70,000, for major events. The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex recently completed $42 million in capital improvements, including renovations to existing Concert Hall lobby space, Arena Concourse, backstage areas in the Arena, North and South Hall meeting rooms, and in June, a new skywalk/walkway corridor leading from the 757-room Sheraton Birmingham Hotel to the North and South halls. Above, Jack Fields, Executive Director, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, speaks at the ground breaking ceremony. Behind him (left-to-right) are: Roderick Royal, City Councilman, Birmingham; Shelia Smoot, Commissioner, Jefferson County; Melva Langford and her husband, the Honorable Mayor Larry P. Langford; Rodger Smitherman, Alabama State Representative; Clyde Echols, BJCC Board Chairman, Alabama State Senator, J.T. Waggoner; and BJCC Board Members: Dennis Lathem, Kenny Clemmons and Herb McBride.