Raleigh Needs New Convention Center, Says Citizen Committee

A recent study said the current facility,

The Raleigh Convention and Conference Center,

is too small and outdated.

A citizen committee met for the first time Tuesday morning to look at potential sites and costs of a new center. According to some members, Raleigh cannot afford it.

"If you look at the dollars, the potential dollars that could be spent in the community versus how much is spent today, it could have a major, major economic impact in the next five to 10 years and also the job creation here in Wake County," said committee Chairman Mike Patterson.

Supporters believe a new convention center could bring 2,000 new jobs and nearly $100 million per year to the Triangle.