The center opened in 1972, and has since hosted national and regional conventions, trade shows, consumer events, musical concerts and theatrical productions.

A citizens group was formed in the early 1960s to study the development of a convention center and the idea for Phoenix Civic Plaza became reality.

The Phoenix Civic Plaza Department was created in November 1969, to oversee the operational aspects of the construction, purchase equipment and hire and train staff.

Construction of Phoenix Civic Plaza began July 8 of that same year and was completed in 1972 at a cost of $28 million and occupying 16.5 acres (67,000 m2).

The large glass and stone atrium in the West Building represents the unique angles and light of an Arizona slot canyon.

The North and West buildings are connected by a lower level 502,500 square feet (46,680 m2) exhibit hall and a skyway bridge.

[4] Several concerts by well known national and international acts took place at the Civic Plaza from 1973 to 1998, including Chile's La Ley, Puerto Rico's former Menudo members El Reencuentro, Santana, Marilyn Manson, Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple, The Offspring, Mötley Crüe, Tool and others.