In the Fall of 1974, after considerable study and consideration, the Nashville Hotel/Motel Association agreed to support and seek approval for the passage of a room occupancy tax of three percent.  Two-thirds of the proceeds collected were to be dedicated toward the promotion of conventions and tourism for Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County. In 1976, the Tourism Commission began actively considering a convention center for Nashville.

The Commission retained a consultant to determine the short- and long-range steps required to improve the existing Municipal Auditorium.  After comparison of the Municipal Auditorium to the then-known and accepted requirements for exhibit space and meeting rooms for a modern convention center, it was determined there was a need for a convention center. On February 7, 1977, the Assistant to the Mayor for Urban Development requested a Feasibility Study be conducted of Nashville’s need for an exhibition hall facility. On March 17, 1977, the Nashville Hotel/Motel Association requested the Tourism Commission to recommend to the Metropolitan Council that the proceeds collected from one-third of the occupancy tax designed for tourism-related activities be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account.  Pending the results of the Convention-Exhibit Hall Feasibility Study and provided the study favored the construction of such a facility, the proceeds in the escrow account were to be used for this purpose.

In the late 1977, the Century III Authority, which was formed for the purpose of considering appropriate methods of observing the Bicentennial of the Founding of the City of Nashville, explored the possibility of constructing a convention center next to the existing auditorium building; however, a study indicated that this site was not large enough. In 1979, the Century III Authority explored the possibility of a domed stadium, a new arena, and a new convention center in the Sulphur Dell area north of the downtown developments to celebrate the City’s 200th birthday.  Studies showed that only a convention center would be affordable.

In early 1982, Franklin Haney, a Chattanooga developer, offered to develop a hotel near the convention center if the site next to the Ryman Auditorium was selected. In late 1984, all the necessary financial arrangements were concluded. 

By January 1985, contractors for the construction of the Nashville Convention Center were selected and the work commenced. In February of 1985, the Metro Hotel and Campground Room Occupancy Tax was increased to four percent.  One percent was still designated for Metro’s General Fund, one percent for tourism and convention promotion, and the remaining two percent for retirement of the Center’s operating budget.

The Convention Center was completed and opened January 31, 1987.

In 1996, the overhead pedestrian connector to Broadway and underground connector to the Gaylord Entertainment Center opened.

In May 2006, the original 20-year construction bonds were paid in full from the hotel tax collections.  The citizens of Nashville never had to contribute to the operation or debt service for the facility.

In November 2007, the additional 10-year bonds for the Broadway Connector project will be paid in full from the hotel tax collections as well.