continues to increase as the convention becomes more popular. One month after opening on October 28, 1987; the PBS series Firing Line hosted a special 2-hour debate featuring the six major candidates seeking the 1988 Republican nomination for President. The following year; one of those candidates, incumbent Vice-President and longtime Houston resident George H.W. Bush would hold his victory celebration at the convention center. Race history From 1998 to 2001, Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) held a race on Houston's downtown streets, adjacent to the GRB. This event was sponsored by the oil company Texaco and named the Texaco Grand Prix of Houston. However, construction in Downtown Houston resulted in the race not being renewed for the 2002 CART season. Gallery References External links George R. Brown Convention Center Buildings and structures in Houston Convention centers in Texas Event venues established in 1987 Tourist attractions in Houston Boxing venues in the United States 1987 establishments in Texas Downtown Houston