New Event Center Opens in Fort Smith

Event organizers in the Fort Smith area have a new option for their trade shows, class reunions and other get-togethers.

The Fort Smith Event Center opened in late April, with its first big guest being the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Rebecca Beyerle, event coordinator for the venue.

Two rooms are available, one that is about 10,000 SF with a 1,500-SF stage and a small room that is about 3,400 SF.

The event center is located on 11th Street, near the Howard Johnson hotel downtown.

Owners Woody and Delana Anderson converted the building from warehouse-type space.

Kitchen space is available and guests may bring in their own food or have the event catered. Catering is also available through Woody’s Bar & Grill, which is also owned by the Andersons.

Occupancy rates are 999 people for the entire complex, with the larger room accommodating more than 400 and the small room handling about 150.

So far, the Fort Smith Event Center has been booked for wedding receptions, Quinceañeras, concerts and class reunions, Beyerle said.

Prices start at $500 for the small room and $1,100 for the large room for standard events.