Banquets and Special Events at American Bank Center

General Information

From our breathtaking coastal views to our warm and inviting staff, American Bank Center will take care of every detail to ensure your special event is truly unforgettable.

More than a concert venue, OVG 360 and OVG Hospitality host over 200 conventions, banquets and special events each year. Our in-house caterer, OVG Hospitality, serves up all-inclusive entrées, satisfying the needs of all clients at Venue by the Bay. Restriction doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, and the skilled Chefs at American Bank Center welcome the opportunity to create delicious cuisine for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you seek a grand open space or more intimate event rooms, the American Bank Convention Center caters to all your needs. Choose from the elegant Henry Garrett Ballroom, the serene Water Garden Room, the flexible Harborview Room, and the intimate setting of the Selena Rotunda, each equipped with unique amenities and private spaces.

Located in the South Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi is 2.5 hours from San Antonio, 3.5 hours from Houston and the 8th largest city in Texas with 320,393 residents in the city, 442,600 in the metro area. More than 11 million visitors’ a year.

Corpus Christi features more than 11,000 quality hotel rooms throughout the city with a concentration of 1,200 rooms near the convention center in the downtown area. The market offers economical hotel room rates attractive to business and convention delegates alike.

Corpus Christi offers popular tourist attractions and beaches while the city’s surrounding communities offer diverse coastal culinary options and plenty of wildlife and nature to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

We look forward to hosting your special event at the Venue By the Bay!

Deliciously eye-catching dishes at the Venue by the Bay

Million-dollar Bay views are not the only thing that sets us apart from our competition. American Bank Center enlisted a diverse team of Chefs to dazzle patrons and elevate the guest experience. Led by Executive Chef Nick Ustruck, our Catering kitchen has become a place of innovation and main course revolution. More than a concert venue, OVG 360 and OVG Hospitality host over 200 conventions and special events each year. We celebrate the Gulf Coast vibe and incorporate the contemporary regional flare in every dish the serve our guests.

There’s no limit to what our visionaries can do in their culinary gallery. Gone are the days of the average chicken entrée. Guests have an opportunity to be more engaged and imaginative with their dietary selections. Chef Nick encourages clients to be creative and use the menu as an inspiration guide. If you don’t see something that visually ignites your tastebuds, the OVG Hospitality team will create an appetizer or main course that intrigues all your senses.

American Bank Center’s catering embodies a range of bold flavors with a unique twist on traditional scratch-based cuisine. When given the opportunity, our team of skilled Chefs will unquestionably impress your guests and exceed your expectations.

What does the future hold for the latest hospitality team? They will continue to demonstrate capacity to do more. More interactive food stations and more intricate displays.

The Venue by the Bay is ready to serve up your new favorite dish!

Parking

Fire & Safety Regulations

Exhibit booths shall be constructed of noncombustible or limited combustible materials. Pipe and drape shall be fire retardant and shall not ignite and spread over the surface when exposed to open flame.

Vehicles may not be displayed without the prior written approval of show management. Any fuel-powered vehicle on static display must have the smallest possible amount of fuel, not more than 1/4 tank. The gas cap must be locked or sealed by tape; batteries must be disconnected. Vehicles may not be started, run or moved during event hours. The keys must be taken out of ignition.

Exhibitor-owned or leased vehicles are NOT allowed to drive on to the exhibit floor to unload or load without prior approval from show management. Access to the exhibit floor for tractor-trailer trucks, semi trucks, etc., must be arranged in advance through show management. The American Bank Center does NOT provide dollies, pallet jacks, ladders, labor etc., for exhibitors’ use.

All fuel-powered motors to be run during show hours must have an exhaust system that will prevent any fumes from being emitted. Prior American Bank Center approval is required. A Fire Watch may be required.

No open flame lighting devices may be used in the American Bank Center without the advance written approval of the City of Corpus Christi Fire Marshal. Please contact our Catering Department at 361-826-4739 to purchase pre-approved candles.

No oils, combustibles, or any liquids other than water may be poured in the American Bank Center drainage or sewer systems. No tools, machines, cookware, or other items may be emptied, washed, or rinsed in American Bank Center restrooms. Cookware, dishes, utensils, etc., may not be filled from American Bank Center restrooms or janitors’ closets.

The American Bank Center wants to provide and maintain a venue which ensures the safety of all who enter our doors. In partnership with the City of Corpus Christi Fire Marshal’s Office, the American Bank Center has adopted and will enforce applicable provisions of the Life Safety Code (LSC), the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) and the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. The following incorporates this provision along with the Center’s own rules and regulations.

Aisle dimensions/locations are subject to Fire Marshal approval. Aisles must be a minimum of 8’ wide and cross aisles must a minimum of 10’ wide.

No exhibit booth, registration table or related material may be placed within 10’ of main entrance/exit.

Doors, fire exits, including doors in partition walls, or access to any exit cannot be blocked or impinged upon by pipe, drape, exhibits, or other fixtures. Exit doors must be maintained in an operable condition.

Literature and other items cannot be stored in booth beyond what could be reasonably used in one day. Additional material must be stored in closed containers and kept in a neat and organized manner in a designated storage area.

Clear access must be maintained to all exits and all Center services (i.e. restrooms, concession stands, utility rooms, etc.)

Compressed flammable gasses, flammable/combustible liquids and hazardous chemicals are prohibited.
The Fire Marshal has the discretion to mandate on-site fire inspectors and/or emergency personnel in the name of public safety, and Licensee is responsible for paying fees associated with this staffing directly to the City of Corpus Christi Fire Marshal’s Office.

Do not exceed the capacity of the electrical connection ordered and provided. Only UL-approved, grounded extension cords may be used for electrical connections. These cords can be ordered through the Center.

The use of pyrotechnics or fireworks within the American Bank Center is strictly regulated by the City of Corpus Christi’s Fire Marshal’s Office and the Center’s Rules & Regulations. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of all your staff, the American Bank Center staff, attendees, and visitors, as well as protecting the structural integrity of the Center. The use of pyrotechnics or fireworks shall not be allowed in the Center without the expressed, written approval of the Fire Marshall. Please contact the City of Corpus Christi’s Fire Marshal’s Office for additional information and required permits.

Tents and canopies may require the written approval or permit, please contact the Fire Marshall for more information.

General Information

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the American Bank Center.

Exhibitors are to have all proper licenses and permits required by the State of Texas and the City of
Corpus Christi.

The American Bank Center is the exclusive provider of electrical services and other utilities in the Center. We offer electrical power, water service, gas, drainage, and compressed air in all our exhibit halls. Utility services (electricity, water, plumbing etc. etc.) are exclusively provided by the American Bank Center. Please use the form provided in your Exhibitor Service Kit. All utility service requests must be received one (1) working day prior to Exhibitor move-in to avoid late fees.

Loading docks are for loading and unloading only. All vehicles left in loading areas will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Loading in and loading out must be done through the designated loading docks assigned to show. Loading in and loading out through the Center lobbies is strictly limited to hand- carried items. Materials, which require the use two-wheeled (or more) apparatus must go through the designated loading dock area. Passenger elevators and escalators are designed for passenger use and not intended to carry the heavy weights. No vehicles will be allowed in dock areas, exhibit halls, etc without advance approval by the Center.

No parking, tow away zones and other restricted areas will be strictly enforced, and vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Individuals exhibiting behavior indicative of intoxication or use of a “mood altering” substance will be expelled from the Center premises.

No refueling of vehicles is permitted within fifty (50) feet of the Center.

At no time may exit doors be blocked or obstructed with freight, equipment, display material, trash or
unattended materials.

Providing mechanized equipment for off-loading and loading freight/exhibits, etc. is the responsibility of the Exhibitor and at the Show or Exhibitor’s expense. Mechanized equipment that is the property of the American Bank Center will not be used by the Licensee, their sub-contractors or anyone associated with the Licensee’s event for any purpose, unless permission has given, in writing, by the American Bank Center.

Painting of any kind within the American Bank Center is strictly prohibited. Exhibitors may not glue, tape, drill, tack, nail, or in any way affixed to any interior or exterior surface of the Center. Nothing may be attached to exhibit floor columns, even when they occur within your booth. Glitter, sand, confetti and adhesive-backed (stick-on) decals are strictly prohibited and may not be distributed or used for any purpose within the American Bank Center.

All banners and signage must be hung by the show’s General Service Contractors. Exhibitors may not hang banners or signage without approval from show management. The use, distribution and location of all signs, cards and posters are subject to Center’s review and control. Handwritten signage not allowed.

The American Bank Center is not responsible for trash generated by the Exhibitor. The show will be provided a bulk trash receptacle in the loading dock for exhibitor’s use.

Please remember not to throw boxes or trash generated during show hours into the aisles. Aisle ways and exit ways must remain clear of any trash or debris and cannot be obstructed in any manner.

The American Bank Center cannot accept freight shipments or packages for exhibitors, show management, or its contractors more than 3 days prior to show date load in. American Bank Center does not have a shipping and receiving department. The Center will not accept C.O.D. deliveries. The Center will not assume responsibility or liability for freight left on the premises following the conclusion of the move-in/out. Freight left in the Center will be disposed of at Exhibitor’s expense. All exhibitor freight must be handled by the show decorator.

Shipping Address:
American Bank Center
Attn: (event name and event coordinator name)
1901 N Shoreline Blvd Suite 100
Corpus Christi, TX 78403
Office 361-826-4100

Helium-filled balloons are not allowed in the American Bank Center. Contact your Event Coordinator for further information concerning a possible waiver to this requirement. There is a $250 fee for any balloons which escape the exhibitor’s display.

The American Bank Center has a “no tipping” policy. No exhibitor, or contractor or representative of an exhibitor, may give any gratuities, tips, or gifts of any kind to any employee of the Center.

American Bank Center is not responsible for Lost or Stolen Items. Exhibitors should not leave valuables or personal items (laptops, purses, cameras, briefcases, etc.) on tabletops, behind booth drape, or in any unsecured areas of the exhibit. Please remove all such items from the building at the close of show each day. During move-out, please do not leave your booth unattended until all your display materials have
been packed and crated.

No equipment, booths, signs, displays, or other items can block or obstruct any emergency phones, alarms, sprinkler valves, or hose connections.

American Bank Center reserves the right to require any group whose noise levels disturb another group or the business of the Center to reduce their sound to a reasonable level that does not disturb any other group. Please discuss any concerns you have relating to your event with your event coordinator in advance.

American Bank Center does not have a business center on property.

All live animals are prohibited, except for guide and service animals. Exhibitors wishing to display live animals as an integral part of an exhibit must get prior approval from show management. Waiver of this prohibition is contingent on description and number of animals, handler/trainer supervision, required insurance certificates, etc. Any waste products must be picked up, cleaned up and disposed of properly.

The trash generated by exhibitors and general housekeeping of the exhibit area is the responsibility of exhibitors and/or the show’s general service contractor. The Center will designate an area where show trash can be properly disposed.