Greater Richmond Convention Center is Virginia’s largest exposition and meeting facility and a major downtown Richmond venue for trade shows, conferences, banquets, competitions and public events. The 700,000-square-foot complex is near Broad Street, hotels, restaurants and public transit.
Its core inventory includes 178,159 square feet of exhibit space, a 30,550-square-foot Grand Ballroom, about 50,000 square feet of additional meeting space, 36 meeting rooms and a 258-seat Lecture Hall. An attached parking deck and connected Richmond Marriott support multi-day events.
Greater Richmond Convention Center Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
| Official name | Greater Richmond Convention Center |
| Address | 403 N. Third Street, Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Facility size | Approximately 700,000 square feet |
| Exhibit space | 178,159 square feet contiguous |
| Exhibit Hall sections | A, B, C and D |
| Standard 10 x 10 booths | Approximately 892 in the full hall |
| Maximum full-hall occupancy | Approximately 12,186 |
| Grand Ballroom | 30,550 square feet |
| Grand Ballroom theatre capacity | Approximately 2,750 |
| Grand Ballroom banquet capacity | Approximately 1,600 |
| Meeting rooms | 36 individual meeting rooms |
| Lecture Hall | 258 fixed seats |
| Attached GRCC parking deck | 401 spaces under current parking page |
| Standard parking rate | $8 per entry; overnight $26 |
| Connected hotel | Richmond Marriott |
| Nearest airport | Richmond International Airport, about 12 miles |
Address and Location
The convention center’s official address is:
- 403 N. Third Street
- Richmond, Virginia 23219
The building is downtown near Broad Street, the Virginia State Capitol and Jackson Ward. Most events use entrances around Fifth and Marshall streets, although open doors depend on the event location.
Nearby destinations include:
- Richmond Marriott
- Hilton Richmond Downtown
- Virginia State Capitol
- Jackson Ward
- Broad Street restaurants and entertainment
- The National and other downtown venues
- VCU Medical Center area
- GRTC Pulse stops along Broad Street
The Richmond Marriott is directly attached, while Hilton Richmond Downtown and several other hotels are within walking distance.
Facilities at Greater Richmond Convention Center
The GRCC supports large exhibitions and smaller conference programmes, including general sessions, breakouts, banquets and trade shows.
Principal facilities include:
- 178,159-square-foot contiguous Exhibit Hall
- Four exhibit sections configurable into multiple combinations
- 30,550-square-foot Grand Ballroom
- More than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space including the ballroom
- 36 individual meeting rooms
- 258-seat fixed Lecture Hall
- Exhibit Hall show offices
- Pre-function and registration areas
- On-site concessions and portable food-and-beverage stations
- Programmable LED exhibit-hall lighting
- Audiovisual, utility and exhibitor services
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Hall Capacity and Layout
1. Combined Exhibit Halls A, B, C and D
The full exhibit floor provides 178,159 square feet with a 35-foot ceiling and 350-pounds-per-square-foot floor load. Specifications list about 892 standard booths and maximum occupancy of roughly 12,186.
The hall divides into four sections and up to 10 configurations. Final capacity falls when stages, food service, wide aisles or audiovisual equipment are added.
2. Exhibit Hall A
Exhibit Hall A is the largest individual section at approximately 67,549 square feet. Published specifications list about 335 standard 10-by-10-foot booths and a maximum occupancy of roughly 4,640.
It can combine with Hall B for more than 100,000 square feet.
3. Exhibit Halls B and C
Halls B and C are nearly identical at approximately 34,449 and 34,437 square feet. Each is listed for about 168 standard booths and a maximum occupancy of approximately 2,340.
They can operate independently or combine with adjacent sections.
4. Exhibit Hall D
Hall D provides approximately 41,724 square feet. The venue’s specifications list about 205 standard 10-by-10-foot booths and a maximum occupancy of roughly 2,866.
Hall D can combine with B and C for a 110,000-square-foot-plus layout.
5. Grand Ballroom
The Grand Ballroom covers 30,550 square feet and divides into three sections or five different room combinations. Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority statistics list approximately 2,750 theatre-style seats, 1,600 banquet seats and 1,500 classroom seats for the full ballroom.
A large pre-function area supports registration and receptions. The ballroom suits keynotes, dinners and awards programmes.
6. Meeting Rooms and Lecture Hall
GRCC has 36 meeting rooms, from small breakouts to combinations exceeding 7,000 square feet.
The 258-seat Lecture Hall suits presentations, seminars and education sessions.
Parking at Greater Richmond Convention Center
The GRCC Parking Deck is at the corner of Third and Marshall streets and connects directly to the convention center from the third level. The current parking page lists 401 spaces, including 10 accessible spaces.
Current standard rates are $8 per entry and $26 for overnight parking. A ticket does not provide re-entry after leaving the deck, so visitors who expect to drive in and out during the day should plan accordingly.
The garage normally operates about 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Clearance is 7 feet 8 inches on Level 2 and 6 feet 7 inches above. Other downtown garages and lots are nearby.
Reaching the Convention Center
1. From Richmond International Airport
Richmond International Airport is approximately 12 miles from the convention center. The GRCC estimates a 15- to 20-minute drive under normal conditions. Taxis, rideshare services and rental cars are available at the airport.
2. GRTC Pulse and Local Transit
The GRTC Pulse bus rapid-transit line operates along the Broad Street corridor with stops near the convention center. It provides a practical connection to other downtown and city destinations without using a car.
3. Rail and Rideshare
Richmond Main Street Station is at 1500 E. Main Street and is a short drive or transit trip from the GRCC. Uber, Lyft and traditional taxi services operate throughout downtown Richmond.
Popular Hotels Near Greater Richmond Convention Center
Several downtown hotels are within walking distance, including one directly attached property.
- Richmond Marriott: Directly attached to the convention center and one of the largest downtown hotels, with 413 guest rooms and its own meeting facilities.
- Hilton Richmond Downtown: Close to the convention center and a major full-service option for meeting groups.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond Downtown: A downtown hotel within walking distance of restaurants and convention activity.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Richmond Downtown: A suite-style option useful for longer convention stays.
- Moxy Richmond Downtown: A smaller lifestyle hotel within the downtown core.
- Omni Richmond Hotel: A full-service property in the wider downtown district near restaurants and riverfront attractions.
Rates can rise during major events, so compare distance, parking and cancellation terms.
Dining at and Near the Center
Aramark is the exclusive food and beverage provider at Greater Richmond Convention Center. It handles concessions, bars, catering, exhibitor hospitality and approved food sampling.
Aramark supports small meetings through large dinners, including dietary requests. Its GRCC concession and bar outlets are cashless.
Downtown Richmond has numerous restaurants, cafés and bars within walking distance; groups may want reservations during large events.
Accessibility
The GRCC states that it is fully ADA compliant, with accessible entrances, elevators and restrooms throughout the building.
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must remain inside the building. Service animals are welcome. Guests needing a specific accommodation should contact the event host or convention-center staff before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Greater Richmond Convention Center located?
A: The official address is 403 N. Third Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
Q: How large is the convention center?
A: The complex covers approximately 700,000 square feet.
Q: How much exhibit space is available?
A: The contiguous Exhibit Hall provides 178,159 square feet across Halls A, B, C and D.
Q: How many standard booths fit in the full Exhibit Hall?
A: The detailed venue specifications list approximately 892 standard 10-by-10-foot booths.
A: The Grand Ballroom covers 30,550 square feet and seats about 2,750 theatre-style or 1,600 for a banquet.
Q: How many meeting rooms are available?
A: The current venue website lists 36 individual meeting rooms plus a 258-seat fixed Lecture Hall.
Q: How much is parking?
A: The attached GRCC deck currently charges $8 per entry and $26 for overnight parking.
Q: Is a hotel connected to the convention center?
A: Yes. Richmond Marriott is directly attached to the GRCC.
Q: How far is Richmond International Airport?
A: The airport is about 12 miles away, generally 15 to 20 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions.
Q: Is the convention center accessible?
A: Yes. The venue is ADA compliant and provides accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms and wheelchairs on a first-come basis.