Construction of the downtown special events center is now officially uinderway.
City officials and representatives of downtown casinos took part in a groundbreaking ceremony at noon today.
The events center will be able to host trade shows and small conventions as well as concerts with seating for 75 hundred. Construction begins as Reno faces it's first winter with increased competition from California Indian casinos.
City officials say it and other improvements to the downtown will help make Reno more competitive
The events center is scheduled to be open by next Christmas. Planning for a 2nd phase on an adjacent piece of property is already underway.
