Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Things To Do With Your Team

Named for the late Henry Barbosa Gonzalez, a U.S. congressman from San Antonio, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center serves as the central component of San Antonio’s renowned convention industry. From its premier location in the heart of historic downtown San Antonio on the banks of the city’s world-famous River Walk to its plentiful amenities and stunning architectural design, it comes as no surprise that the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center hosts more than 300 events each year with over 750,000 convention delegates from around the world. The first incarnation of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, then known as the San Antonio Convention Center, was built as a part of the 1968 World’s Fair.

The convention center has expanded significantly since then. It now features 514,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space with 86,500 square feet of column-free multipurpose space, as well as 70 meeting rooms and two ballrooms. The Stars at Night Ballroom, one of the two ballrooms in the Henry B. Gonzalez Center, is the largest in Texas, boasting 54,000 square feet of space set under a stunning ceiling that features 1,642 programmable LED lights, which bring the beauty of the Texas night sky indoors. It’s obvious you and your team will enjoy your time spent in the Henry B. Gonzalez Center, but what you’ll probably enjoy  visiting all of the fun, family-friendly attractions and fantastic restaurants that can be found right nearby even more.

Things to Do

San Antonio River Walk

Perhaps one of the city’s most iconic attractions, the San Antonio River Walk is a must-see during your visit to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. As you and your team stroll along cypress-lined pathways and arched stone bridges past lush foliage you’ll find many of San Antonio’s most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations, as well as world-famous historic sites and other unique attractions. Currently, the River Walk spans an impressive 15 miles, making it the perfect way to spend a couple hours or a whole day outdoors with your team. San Antonio, TX 78205

Shops at Rivercenter

Looking for the perfect San Antonio keepsake or a new addition to your wardrobe? The Shops at Rivercenter has got just what you need and more. Located just moments away from the River Walk, the Shops at Rivercenter is a shopping mall that features over 100 retailers including Macy’s and H&M as its anchors. Once everyone on your team has found what they need, grab a bite to eat at one of the mall’s restaurants or watch the latest blockbuster in the IMAX-equipped AMC Rivercenter 11 theater. 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Tower of the Americas

Located adjacent to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the Tower of the Americas is a remarkable, 750-foot-tall observation tower that was built as the theme structure for the 1968 World’s Fair. It reigned as the tallest observation tower in the United States from 1968 until 1996, when the Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower was completed. While it may no longer hold that impressive distinction, the views of San Antonio that visitors can enjoy from the tower’s Flags Over Texas Observation Deck are as stunning as ever. The Tower of the Americas also features an exhilarating 4D theater ride that’s included with the price of admission as well as cafes located on both the Observation Deck and the ground floor, and a gift shop. 739 E Cesar E Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205

The Alamo

There are few historical sites as well-known as the Alamo. Originally established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, this landmark now known as the Alamo has been a crossroads for many pivotal moments in history. Having stood under six flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies, the Alamo’s rich history and storied heritage continues to inspire Texans and people around the world to this very day. Although the Alamo is best known as the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, all 300 years of the site’s history are covered at the Alamo’s modern day facility. There you and your team can embark on a guided battlefield tour, rent a self-guided audio tour, walk through the historic church and Long Barrack Museum, listen to a History Talk delivered by a knowledgeable Alamo History Interpreter, participate in a living history demonstration, watch an educational documentary, and much more. Admission to this can’t-miss historical site is free, but be aware that there are costs associated with some aspects of the Alamo experience, including the guided and audio tours. 300 Alamo Plz, San Antonio, TX 78205

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! San Antonio

You and your team can experience one, two, or even three premier tourist attractions in one convenient location at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! San Antonio, nestled in the heart of the city’s historic downtown area just minutes from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. There you’ll find Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, which is home to 500 exhibits and attractions, each one more authentically unbelievable than the last; Ripley’s 4D Moving Theater, a state-of-the-art theater that features digital effects, surround sound, and motion seats that will make you feel as if you’re really riding the movie as you experience every onscreen bump, dip, twist, and turn; and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, where you and your team can meet over 200 incredibly lifelike wax figures of movie stars, historical figures, and more. Special rates are available for groups of 12 or more. 301 Alamo Plz, San Antonio, TX 78205

Guinness World Records Museum

Ever wondered who holds the record for the fastest journey across America on a penny-farthing? What the best-selling video game of all time is? How much the most valuable dress in the world costs? You and your team can find the answer to these and many more intriguing inquiries at the Guinness World Records Museum. Within this marvelous museum is a remarkable record of the most dazzling deeds, fantastic feats, and outright outlandish oddities from around the world. You and your team can even try to set your own world records in the Attempt Arena! Like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! San Antonio, the Guinness World Records Museum also features two additional attractions: Tomb Rider 3D, where riders journey down into the ancient tomb of the Egyptian god Anubis and try to shoot for the high score; and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, a haunted house with live actors and special effects that takes frightening fun to a whole new level! 329 Alamo Plz, San Antonio, TX 78205

To find hotel rooms closest to where your team is playing in San Antonio or any city, visit https://www.hotels4teams.com/. Hotels4Teams – The Best Hotels at the Best Prices, Closest to the Action!

Places to Eat

Maria Mia Mexican Bistro

Located in a beautiful, tree-canopied setting on the iconic River Walk near the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is Maria Mia Mexican Bistro. The only thing better than their scenic location is their delicious, authentically-prepared Mexican cuisine, prepared with only finest and freshest ingredients. Their menu features everything from fajitas to carnitas and everything in-between. You and your team can enjoy your meal inside their vibrantly-decorated dining area or outside at a patio table with fantastic views of the neighboring river. 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Schilo’s Delicatessen

What was once started as a saloon in Beeville, Texas, has become a century-old San Antonio institution that remains one of the oldest continually owned and operated restaurants in the entire state. Housed in a former currency exchange bank, Schilo’s Delicatessen harkens back to a time in San Antonio’s eclectic history where the majority of the city’s citizens were of German descent. The menu at Schilo’s reflects this, blending together the flavors of Germany and Texas for a culinary experience that’s uniquely San Antonian. The house specialties at Schilo’s include their split pea soup, Reuben sandwiches, and weinerschnitzel. Perhaps their most renowned specialty however is their famous root beer, which can be served in a mug, a pitcher, or even as a float! No matter how you have it served, Schilo’s frosty and frothy root beer is the perfect way to cool down after a day of walking around San Antonio. 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Pat O’Brien’s

New Orleans meets San Antonio at Pat O’Brien’s, a family-friendly restaurant and bar inspired by the French Quarter located near the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. From their unique décor to their even more unique menu, you and your team will feel as if you’re dining at a restaurant in the heart of Bourbon Street. The outdoor seating area provides a memorable setting for you to all enjoy your meal, featuring lush, indigenous foliage, shady umbrellas, and their signature flaming fountain. Their menu includes more conventional fare such as hot wings, burgers, and grilled salmon, as well as traditional New Orleans staples like crawfish etouffeé, alligator po’ boys, and blackened catfish, for the more adventurous eaters in your group. 121 Alamo Plz, San Antonio, TX 78205

Casa Rio

Take a bite of San Antonio River Walk history at Casa Rio. This historic restaurant was established in 1946 and was the first San Antonio business to open its doors on the banks of the river. Their picturesque location on the River Walk combined with their delicious, authentic Mexican food makes Casa Rio a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner with your team. On the menu at Casa Rio you’ll find classic dishes like chili con carne, quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas, and more. No matter what you decide to order, it’ll taste even better paired with unforgettable views of the adjacent River Walk. 430 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

San Antonio is a city with a lot of history, charm, and character. All of these qualities are reflected by the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. From its origins that can be traced back to the 1968 World’s Fair to its current incarnation as one of the most impressive convention centers in the state of Texas and beyond, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is just as unique as the city it’s located in.