Laredo Approves Convention Center Expansion Tied to Sames Auto Arena

City leaders move forward with plans to expand the arena into a convention center-style facility with additional breakout space.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:09pm

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City officials in Laredo, Texas have approved advancing a proposal to expand the Sames Auto Arena into a convention center-style facility. The plan positions the arena as the anchor of a future convention complex rather than building a separate, standalone facility. The city is also continuing work on a separate but related funding strategy that would seek state authorization to create a public finance zone around the arena, allowing the city to retain a portion of sales tax revenue generated in the area to support the convention center expansion.

Why it matters

Laredo has long discussed the need for a convention center, but has struggled to find the right solution. This proposal aims to leverage the existing Sames Auto Arena as the foundation for a new convention complex, potentially providing a more practical and cost-effective approach. The city is also exploring a unique state-backed funding mechanism that could help finance the project without increasing local taxes.

The details

The city council approved advancing a concept that would expand the Sames Auto Arena into a convention center-style facility with additional breakout space. Separately, the city is continuing work on a proposal to seek state authorization to create a public finance zone around the arena. This would allow Laredo to retain a portion of sales tax revenue generated in the area, which could then be used to support the convention center expansion. The city is working with state leaders, including Sen. Judith Zaffirini's office, to draft legislation for the public finance zone, with the goal of introducing it during the 2027 legislative session.

  • On February 2, 2026, the Laredo City Council approved the proposal to seek state authorization for the public finance zone.
  • The city is aiming to introduce legislation for the public finance zone during the 2027 legislative session.

The players

Joseph Neeb

The Laredo City Manager, who said the decision reflects years of discussion and a shift toward a more practical solution for a convention center.

Tyler King

A Laredo City Council member, who said the public finance zone initiative is being developed in coordination with state leaders and could help fund the convention center expansion without increasing local taxes.

Judith Zaffirini

A Texas state senator whose office is working with the city of Laredo to draft legislation for the public finance zone.

Sames Auto Arena

The existing arena that will serve as the anchor for the proposed convention center complex.

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What they’re saying

“The convention center has been talked about a lot in Laredo, and they've never found the right solution. We believe that we're going in the right direction with expanding out the Sames Auto Arena and adding breakout rooms onto that facility.”

— Joseph Neeb, Laredo City Manager

“It would be a chance for the city to keep that money for the convention center expansion. It would be a way to fund it without any additional taxpayer funds.”

— Tyler King, Laredo City Council member

What’s next

The proposal still requires additional steps, including support from Webb County and an economic impact study before it can be taken to state lawmakers. If approved, the public finance zone could allow the city to retain a portion of sales tax revenue generated in the area to support the convention center expansion project.

The takeaway

Laredo's long-standing desire for a convention center may finally be realized through this innovative approach of leveraging the existing Sames Auto Arena and exploring a unique state-backed funding mechanism. If successful, the project could provide a practical and cost-effective solution to meet the city's convention needs without increasing local taxes.