Baytown's new events center will host concerts and sports

Baytown has approved design work for the ExxonMobil Baytown Events Center, a 150,000–200,000 square‑foot venue planned to host concerts, sports and community events. The project includes a $75 million economic development commitment from ExxonMobil and is entering the design and planning phase.

Baytown is moving forward with plans for the ExxonMobil Baytown Events Center as city leaders approved the architecture firm to lead design. The decision follows several years of studies and community planning that identified a need for a local multi‑use facility. City officials describe the center as a venue for concerts, tournaments, expos and community gatherings. The project is now in the design and planning phase, with construction decisions to be determined later. Key details: - The City Council on Jan. 8 approved Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture to lead the design of the events center, with one council member, Ken Griffith (District 3), voting against the approval. - City officials say the center would be located at Decker and Market Street and cover roughly 150,000 to 200,000 square feet. - Planned features mentioned by the city include a championship court, entertainment seating for about 3,000 to 5,000 people, and roughly 5,000 square feet of meeting space. - The project is supported by a $75 million economic development commitment from ExxonMobil; city leaders have estimated potential local job and economic effects, including an estimate cited by a council member of about 4,000 jobs. - City Manager Jason Reynolds said the proposal builds on prior community work, including a 2017–2018 feasibility study and elements of the city’s 2021 Parks and Recreation master plan and 2022 Strategic Plan. Summary: The events center is intended to provide a local venue for concerts, youth and amateur sports, expos and community gatherings and to complement existing Baytown attractions. The city is currently in the design and planning stage after approving the architect; construction decisions and timelines are undetermined at this time.