Convention complex is a go

JACKSON — Downtown Jackson will get another economic boost when the Jackson Convention Complex (JCC) officially opens for business Jan. 14.

And the first event is only the beginning. The new complex already has bookings seemingly every week until 2011.

“We can accomodate 25 events at one time,” JCC general manager Linda McCarthy said. “And trust me, booking that way when we need to.”

The convention complex is part of more than $2.4 billion in potential development taking place in downtown Jackson.

JCC management held an open house for the media last week to show off the new building, which they say is 95 percent complete.

The complex is projected to host 164 events and an estimated 79,600 attendees at any given time. By the 10th year, the complex is projected to host 279 events and an estimated 175,300 attendees.

Prior to the construction of the complex, there was no place in the Jackson-metro area large enough to host such events.

“This is crucial to our local economy,” McCarthy said. “Convention business means large crowds, which means more business for our hotels, restaurants and retail establishments.”

Some of the regional and national events scheduled include the Motor Trend International Auto Show, National Cheer Stars, Mississippi Department of Education Student Organizing Meeting as well as a large outdoor sportsman show and a home and garden show.

The first event Jan. 14 will be gathering of nearly 1,000 metro area business leaders, which will be followed Jan. 17 by the JCC grand opening with lots of entertainers and a day-long community open house that will feature local arts, attractions and entertainment.

JCC Grand Opening

Jan. 17

Community Center Stage

10 a.m. – Miss Jackson Hospitality Joi Owens

10:10 a.m. – Dorian the Magician

10:45 a.m. – St. Andrews dance team

11 a.m. – Mississippi Natural Science Museum: David Hall falconry/MS Outreach Foundation

11:35 a.m. – Jim Hill High School drum line and Tigerettes

11:50 a.m. – Jackson Zoo

12:10 p.m. – New Stage Theatre presents: “Lilly and the Purple Plastic Purse”

12:45 p.m. – Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

1:20 p.m. – Ballet Mississippi

1:30 p.m. – International Ballet Competition: “Cit Steps”

1:35 p.m. – Patrick Harkins Band

2:15 p.m. – Art with Gary Scott

2:45 p.m. – Greater Mt. Calvary Gospel Choir

2:55 p.m. – Jessie Primer

3:30 p.m. – Cade Chapel Voices of Love

3:55 p.m. – JSU Greek step demonstration

4:25 p.m. – Ballet Magnificat

4:45 p.m. – The Davincis

5:25 p.m. – The Weeks

City with Soul Arena

10 a.m. – Dowell Taylor Jazz Quartet

10:30 p.m. – Latinsmo!

11 a.m. – Derrick Burk gospel

11:30 a.m. – Shea Arender Elvis Tribute

Noon – America’s Next Top Model Search

1:15 p.m. – Full Moon Circus rock band

2:45 p.m. – Kamikaze rap

4:15 p.m. – Akami, Annissa Hampton, Keesha Pratt tribute to R&B divas

4:45 p.m. – Jesse Robinson and the 500-pound Blues Band

5:25 p.m. – Faze4 80s and 90s and today cover tunes

First 20 events

Jackson Convention Complex

Jan. 14 – Jackson Chamber Lunch

Jan. 15-17 – JCC Grand Opening Events

Jan. 19 – Motor Trend Car Show

Jan. 22 – MAJ Mid-Winter Meetings

Jan. 29 – Jackson Association of Health

Feb. 1 – Mississippi State alumni dinner

Feb. 2-3 – Mississippi State Department of Rehab

Feb. 3 – National Business Institute

Feb. 6 – Gov. Prayer Lunch

Feb. 10 – Mission Mississippi Governor’s Breakfast

Feb. 16-18 – MDE Dropout Prevention

Feb. 23-24 – Mississippi Department of Education

Feb. 25 – Mississippi College of Law

Feb. 26 – MS CSI Show

Feb. 27-28 – Christians United Israel

Feb. 27 – Fashion Fair Show

Feb. 27-28 – National Cheer Stars

March 7 – Clinton High School class reunion

March 12 – National Business Institute

March 14 – Community Student Learning Center

Contact MBJ managing editor Ross Reily at ross.reily@msbusiness.com.