Conventions use the facility regularly for plenary sessions and entertainment events. In the summer of 1975, renovations from the World's Fair presentations to a Convention Center were finished, and the facility became home for public shows, conventions and community celebrations. In January of 1989, Spokane's major meetings, exhibits and special events facilities became complete with the opening of the Ag Trade Center. Adding ballroom, banquet, and meeting space to the Convention Center exhibit hall and the Opera House formal seating vaulted Spokane into national conventions contention. Many cities have larger facilities.
None have better.
In early years the facility was used not only by Washington State University for major football, it was also used for motor sports. A dirt oval track surrounded a natural grass field. In 1962, the playfield was lowered approximately 11 feet to add additional spectator seating for football, bringing the fixed seating capacity to 34,000, and eliminating the oval track. In the late 1970's, the press box and dressing rooms were expanded to better accommodate WSU football. Synthetic turf was added.