Scheels Arena Convention Center Proposed for Central Fargo Location

Developers tout the project's convenient access and existing event management expertise.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Fargo leaders are considering plans to build an 86,000 square foot convention center next to the existing Scheels Arena. The proposed project would also include a 150-room hotel and be connected to the arena. Developers say the central location near major highways and existing hotels and restaurants is a key advantage, and that the arena's event management team is well-equipped to operate the new convention center.

Why it matters

The new convention center would help Fargo attract more events and visitors to the city, boosting the local economy. The central location and partnership with the existing Scheels Arena are seen as assets that could make the project successful.

The details

The convention center would be built west of the Scheels Arena and connected to it. Enclave CEO Austin Morris highlighted the central location near Interstate 94 and Interstate 29, as well as the abundance of nearby hotels and restaurants. Scheels Arena General Manager Jon Kram said the arena's existing event management team is ready to take on the new convention center, as they already host many conventions, galas, and corporate events.

  • The Fargo City Commission is currently considering the convention center proposal, along with other potential locations near Brewhalla, the Fargodome, and the Fargo Civic Center.
  • In November 2024, voters approved a 3% lodging tax that is expected to raise $3 million per year to fund construction of the winning convention center bid.

The players

Austin Morris

CEO of Enclave, the company behind the proposed convention center project.

Jon Kram

General Manager of Scheels Arena, which would be connected to the new convention center.

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What they’re saying

“Thirteen minute drive to downtown, seven minute drive to West Acres. Over 100 restaurants and a lot of hotels. I think over 1,000 beds. We have two interchanges within a mile. People can hop onto [Interstate] 94, 29.”

— Austin Morris, CEO, Enclave

“We're already doing conventions, we're already doing galas and corporate events. It's really an extension of our current team which I think from the public's viewpoint, they should like that. There's no additional overhead costs that we've got to bring in.”

— Jon Kram, General Manager, Scheels Arena

What’s next

The Fargo City Commission will decide on the winning convention center proposal, with construction to be funded by a 3% lodging tax approved by voters in 2024.

The takeaway

The proposed Scheels Arena convention center project stands out for its central Fargo location with easy highway access and abundance of nearby hotels and restaurants, as well as the existing event management expertise of the Scheels Arena team. This could make it an attractive option for the city as it looks to boost its convention and tourism business.