ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A convention center that was proposed more than two decades ago is finally set to open in downtown Albany.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled Wednesday afternoon at the new Albany Capital Center, located between the Empire State Plaza and the Times Union Center.

The $66 million project began in August 2014 with the imploding of an old building to make way for the new structure. Walkways have been built to connect the Capital Center with the nearby plaza and arena.

Plans for a downtown convention center were first hatched in the early 1990s. Albany officials say they expect to host about 200 events a year at the new facility, giving the city's downtown area a significant economic boost.

The building opens to the public on Friday when it hosts its first event.

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