Henry Gonzalez Convention Center: Visitor Guide

San Antonio, Texas • 2026 Convention Visitor Guide

Henry B. González Convention Center: Parking, Events, Hotels & River Walk Map

A practical downtown San Antonio guide covering public garages, main entrances, event registration, four building levels, nearby hotels, airport transport and accessible facilities.

900 East Market Street River Walk Location 2026 Event Calendar Floor Plans & Parking

The Henry B. González Convention Center is San Antonio’s main downtown convention and meeting venue, situated at 900 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205. The expansive complex sits beside the River Walk and Hemisfair, steps from major hotels, the Shops at Rivercenter and Lila Cockrell Theatre. A successful visit begins by confirming your event’s assigned exhibit hall or ballroom, then selecting the best parking garage or hotel walking route.

900 E. Market St.Official convention center address
$10 / $15Published weekday / weekend public garage rates
54,717 sq ftStars at Night Ballroom
210-207-8500Official venue telephone
01 / Getting oriented

Henry Gonzalez Convention Center Address and Map

Official visitor destination

Henry B. González Convention Center

900 East Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Venue phone: 210-207-8500

The convention campus fronts Market Street and includes entrances toward the main exhibit halls, ballrooms and Lila Cockrell Theatre.

Open Venue Directions
Nearby landmark

San Antonio River Walk and Hemisfair

The River Walk runs alongside the broader convention district, making restaurants and downtown visitor attractions accessible without a long car journey.

Hemisfair, including the Tower of the Americas area, sits near the southern side of the convention complex.

Navigation tip: Use the venue address for pedestrian arrival. Drivers should navigate to a specific garage such as 850 E. Commerce Street or 637 S. Tower of the Americas Way.
Do not confuse the venues: Henry B. González Convention Center and the Alamodome are separate facilities. They are both in the downtown area but have different entrances, ticketing, parking and operating arrangements.
02 / Compare parking before you drive

Henry B. González Convention Center Parking Rates in 2026

The convention center states that it does not operate an official dedicated attendee parking lot. Instead, visitors use city garages, hotel garages and other paid facilities near the building.

Officially listed parking choices

Garage or lotAddressPublished rates
Convention Center Garage850 E. Commerce St.$10 daily flat rate; $15 weekends
Convention Center South Parking637 S. Tower of the Americas WayMon–Thu $3/hour; Fri–Sun $5/hour; $30 maximum
Grand Hyatt Garage600 E. Market St.$23 first hour; $28 up to 2 hours; $33 up to 3 hours; $45 for 4–24 hours, plus tax
Riverbend Garage210 N. Presa St.$16 daily; $16–$20 event/weekend
Tower of the Americas Parking801 Cesar Chavez Blvd.Mon–Wed $8; Thu–Sun $11; special events $15
Shops at Rivercenter, Commerce entrance849 E. Commerce St.$5 first hour; additional $1 per 15 minutes; $20 for 5–12 hours; $25 for 12–24 hours
Shops at Rivercenter, Crockett entrance300 E. Crockett St.Same published Rivercenter time-based schedule
Rate warning: These are the published parking rates shown on the convention center’s directions page as reviewed in October 2026. Special events, capacity restrictions, hotel guest rules or operator updates can affect the actual rate. Check the posted entrance price before parking.
Convenient budget choice

Convention Center Garage

850 E. Commerce Street

Located across from the main entrance area and Lila Cockrell Theatre. A practical first comparison for convention attendees who want to keep parking costs down.

Garage Directions
South-side parking

Convention Center South Parking

637 S. Tower of the Americas Way

A useful alternative for arrivals from the southern or Hemisfair side of the convention district. Compare the exit and walking route to your assigned hall.

South Parking Directions

How to choose the best parking garage

  1. Confirm the correct event entrance.

    Use the organizer’s hall and registration instructions.

  2. Compare the total parking charge.

    The $10 public garage rate can be substantially lower than hotel garage parking for a full-day event.

  3. Check opening and exit access.

    Ask about after-hours exit availability when your event runs late.

  4. Check vehicle size restrictions.

    Some downtown garages have tight ramps and lower clearance. Confirm suitability for large SUVs, trucks or vans.

  5. Navigate to the garage entrance.

    Use the address of the facility you selected, not just 900 E. Market Street.

  6. Save your vehicle location.

    Record the parking level and walking route before entering the convention center.

Official Venue Parking and Directions
03 / Entrance and lobby planning

Henry Gonzalez Convention Center Entrances and Registration

The convention center is spread across a sizable downtown footprint, with a Main Lobby, West Lobby, exhibition areas and an adjacent theater. Your registration entrance may differ depending on the event.

Main Lobby

Located on the Market Street side of the campus, serving visitor information and access to major convention spaces.

The Guest Services desk provides information about events and building navigation.

West Lobby

Another visitor assistance and circulation area. Some conferences may use this part of the complex for registration or meeting access.

Lila Cockrell Theatre

A theater within the convention complex, adjacent to Grand Hyatt San Antonio, with its own event seating and entrance arrangements.

River Level

Lower-level meeting rooms and specialized spaces closer to the River Walk side of the building. Find the correct elevators and internal signs before your meeting.

Registration tip: A ticket listing “Henry B. González Convention Center” does not identify your exact door. Confirm the registration lobby, exhibit hall and room level from the organizer before arriving.

Micro-checklist for arrival

  1. Save the event agenda and badge instructions.

    Identify the assigned exhibition hall or ballroom.

  2. Review the venue floor plan.

    Look for Main Lobby, West Lobby, escalators and elevators.

  3. Check the organizer’s entrance information.

    Large conferences may have different entrances for exhibitors and attendees.

  4. Find onsite Guest Services.

    Ask for the shortest internal route to the registration area if needed.

04 / Event calendar

Henry Gonzalez Convention Center Events: October 2026

The venue hosts trade shows, medical conferences, association conventions, public exhibitions and professional meetings. The following are selected events from the published October 2026 calendar.

OCT 14–17
North American Spine Society Annual ConventionMedical and professional convention
OCT 15–17
Texas Society of Architects Annual ConferenceConvention center and Lila Cockrell Theatre programming
OCT 18–21
2026 ASPPA Annual ConferenceRetirement plan and benefits professionals
OCT 19–21
National Rural Education Association / NFAREProfessional education conference
OCT 25–27
Food & Nutrition Conference & ExpoProfessional nutrition and dietetics event
Dates do not guarantee public entry: Some conventions require professional credentials, invitation, advance registration or association membership. Event calendars may include private functions and organizer setup days. Confirm public access with the actual organizer.

How to find admission and tickets

  1. Open the current venue calendar.

    Locate the event name and date.

  2. Follow the organizer’s official page.

    Check ticket prices or conference registration requirements.

  3. Verify the room assignment.

    Look for an exhibit hall, ballroom, theater or numbered meeting room.

  4. Review security and arrival rules.

    Some public events require extra screening or have event-specific restrictions.

  5. Save your confirmation and directions.

    Allow sufficient time for parking and onsite registration.

05 / Meeting halls and rooms

Henry B. González Convention Center Floor Plans and Capacities

The convention center has four principal levels: River Level, Street Level, Meeting Level and Ballroom Level. Official plans show large exhibit halls, flexible meeting rooms, theaters and special-event spaces.

Building levels at a glance

LevelPrimary facilities
River LevelMeeting Rooms 004–008, LDR, Grotto and river-side spaces
Street LevelExhibit Halls 1–4B, Bridge Hall, Main Lobby, West Lobby and Lila Cockrell Theatre
Meeting LevelMeeting Rooms 202–225, Cantilever Room and O’Gorman Terrace
Ballroom LevelStars at Night Ballroom, Hemisfair Ballroom and Rooms 301–305

Published exhibit hall sizes

Exhibition spaceSquare footagePublished theater capacity
Exhibit Hall 186,878 sq ft7,812
Exhibit Hall 2183,712 sq ft14,300
Exhibit Hall 395,930 sq ft6,600
Exhibit Hall 4A65,768 sq ft4,395
Exhibit Hall 4B65,028 sq ft3,625
Bridge Hall16,628 sq ft1,470
Major ballroom

Stars at Night Ballroom

54,717 square feet

The official room chart lists a capacity of 5,662 theater-style guests and 3,190 banquet guests. The ballroom can be divided into smaller sections.

Additional large spaces

Hemisfair Ballroom and Theatre

The ballroom level includes the Hemisfair Ballroom, approximately 39,576 square feet, while Lila Cockrell Theatre is a separate fixed-seat event venue within the complex.

Capacity caution: Architectural capacity charts are planning estimates. Production stages, trade-show booths, furniture, accessible seating and fire requirements affect the actual permitted attendance.

How to find your room

  1. Read the complete room number.

    For example, determine whether you need Hall 4B, Ballroom B1 or a room on the Meeting Level.

  2. Download the full floor plan.

    Match the assigned room to the relevant floor.

  3. Find the nearest lobby and vertical route.

    Check elevators and escalators before beginning the walk.

  4. Follow current event signs.

    Temporary partitions and registration setups may change the most convenient approach.

06 / Where to stay

Hotels Near Henry B. González Convention Center

Several full-service hotels sit directly beside the convention complex. Those on Market Street generally provide short outdoor walking routes, while River Walk and downtown hotels offer additional dining and sightseeing opportunities.

Closest major convention hotel

Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk

600 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Large convention-focused hotel immediately next to the venue with conference amenities, dining and River Walk access.

Best for: Conference attendees who prioritize proximity to registration and full-service amenities.

Across Market Street

San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk

889 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Full-service hotel opposite the convention complex and located on the River Walk.

Best for: Business visitors wanting a short convention walk and downtown dining.

River Walk hotel

Hilton Palacio del Rio

200 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Well-established River Walk hotel near the western side of the convention district.

Best for: Visitors mixing conferences with River Walk restaurants and sightseeing.

Shopping district

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk

101 Bowie Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Large downtown hotel connected to the Shops at Rivercenter, close to the venue and entertainment district.

Best for: Large business groups and travelers valuing shopping and dining access.

Practical guest stay

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Antonio Alamo Plaza/Convention Center

422 Bonham Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel north of the convention district near the Alamo, offering an alternative to the larger riverfront properties.

Best for: Travelers comparing included breakfast and overall hotel cost.

Extended-stay alternative

Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center

123 Hoefgen Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78205

Suite-style property near St. Paul Square and the Alamodome, suited to longer work trips.

Best for: Multi-night stays and guests wanting kitchen facilities.

Compare your hotel choice

PriorityHotel to compare
Very short conference walkGrand Hyatt San Antonio or Marriott Riverwalk
River Walk dining accessHilton Palacio del Rio
Shopping and full serviceMarriott Rivercenter
Breakfast and simpler hotel amenitiesFairfield Inn & Suites Alamo Plaza
Extended staysStaybridge Suites Downtown Convention Center
Do not assume hotel parking is included. Nearby hotel garages may cost more than public convention parking. Compare the full room price, taxes, destination charges and overnight parking before booking.
07 / Airport and transit

San Antonio Airport to Henry Gonzalez Convention Center

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is approximately eight to nine miles from the downtown convention district. Visitors typically use taxi, rideshare, rental car or available transit connections.

Taxi and Rideshare

A convenient option when carrying luggage or traveling with coworkers. Use official airport pickup areas and enter your hotel address or 900 E. Market Street.

Rental Car

Practical when planning meetings outside downtown. If your trip is primarily focused on the convention center and River Walk, compare rental and parking costs with rideshare or transit.

VIA Metropolitan Transit

San Antonio’s public bus network serves downtown and airport-area destinations. Verify the current route, stops and operating schedule directly through VIA.

Walking Downtown

The River Walk, Alamo, Hemisfair, Rivercenter Mall and numerous hotels are accessible on foot from the convention district.

Driving from San Antonio International Airport

  1. Travel south toward downtown.

    The venue’s official driving directions use US-281 South.

  2. Take East Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard exit.

    Follow the approved current road signs.

  3. Proceed toward South Alamo Street and Market Street.

    The convention center sits near the Market and Bowie intersection.

  4. Navigate to your selected garage.

    For public parking, use 850 E. Commerce Street rather than ending navigation at the building’s front doors.

Travel time is variable with airport traffic, downtown events and construction. The airport-to-downtown journey is often described as about 15–20 minutes in ordinary traffic, but this is not a guaranteed trip time.
08 / Accessibility and services

Accessibility, Restrooms, Wi-Fi and Guest Assistance

Henry B. González Convention Center operates under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and publishes accessible facility information for attendees and event planners.

Accessible visit planning

  • Confirm the correct hall and lobby.
  • Ask about accessible parking near the entrance.
  • Identify step-free entry routes.
  • Check elevator access between building levels.
  • Request accessible event seating or interpretation in advance.
  • Allow time for larger internal walking distances.

Visitor amenities

  • Main Lobby and West Lobby Guest Services.
  • Restrooms and public wayfinding.
  • Onsite dining and concession areas.
  • UPS Store near the Main Lobby.
  • Nursing mother’s room information.
  • Internet and Wi-Fi services.

Food, business services and guest questions

Visitor serviceWhat to know
Guest ServicesInformation desks in the Main Lobby and West Lobby.
Business servicesUPS Store near the Main Lobby for printing, shipping and copying.
Food and beverageThe RK Group is the exclusive convention concessionaire and caterer.
Outside food and beveragesGenerally not permitted without approval or applicable accommodation.
Wi-FiGuest internet and event-specific services are covered by the venue’s Wi-Fi information resources.
Nursing accommodationsAvailable facility guidance is published on the attendee resources page.
Wi-Fi planning: Do not assume the same free network is suitable for exhibiting, streaming a presentation or running payment systems. Organizers and exhibitors should arrange reliable dedicated connectivity when needed.
Official Accessibility and Attendee Services
09 / Event planners and exhibitors

How to Book Henry B. González Convention Center

The venue offers large exhibit halls, flexible meeting rooms, ballrooms, specialized event areas and theater facilities. Organizers should request current venue rates and availability directly rather than relying on outdated contract examples.

  1. Define your event requirements.

    Prepare dates, event type, anticipated attendees, number of rooms and hotel needs.

  2. Compare room capacities.

    Use the official floor plans for exhibit halls, Stars at Night Ballroom, Hemisfair Ballroom and meeting levels.

  3. Identify required services.

    Include catering, electrical, internet, audiovisual equipment, rigging, registration and security.

  4. Contact the booking team.

    Request available dates and a formal proposal.

  5. Plan exhibitor deliveries.

    Use the venue’s loading-dock procedures and your show’s appointed contractor.

  6. Review the final contract.

    Confirm rental fees, deposits, insurance, service providers, tax obligations and move-in deadlines.

Official planning contacts

DepartmentTelephone
Convention Center Administration210-207-8500
Event Booking210-207-8555
Event Services210-207-5787
Technical Systems210-207-3629
Rental price clarification: The city publishes a 2026 convention center rate proposal PDF for its exhibit halls, ballrooms and theater. Those figures concern venue rentals and event production; they are not attendee ticket prices or general room admission fees.
10 / Attractions close to the center

Things to Do Near Henry Gonzalez Convention Center

San Antonio River Walk

A major waterfront dining and pedestrian corridor alongside the downtown convention area. Useful for meals, informal business meetings and sightseeing.

The Alamo

Historic downtown landmark a short trip from the convention district. Check any required timed-entry arrangements before visiting.

Hemisfair

Downtown park district adjacent to the convention center, with public spaces, pathways and nearby cultural attractions.

Tower of the Americas

Observation tower in Hemisfair, offering city views and visitor attractions. General tower admission is independent of convention registration.

Shops at Rivercenter

Shopping and dining complex near Market and Commerce Streets, convenient for convention visitors with time between sessions.

La Villita Historic Arts Village

Historic arts area near the River Walk, featuring galleries, small shops and cultural programming.

11 / Before you arrive

Henry Gonzalez Convention Center Visitor Checklist

  • Confirm your event and admission status.
  • Save 900 E. Market Street.
  • Identify your exhibit hall or meeting room.
  • Find the correct registration lobby.
  • Compare public garages and hotel parking.
  • Check the event-specific parking rate.
  • Save your garage entrance address.
  • Bring ticket, badge and required ID.
  • Check event-specific security rules.
  • Review the current venue floor plan.
  • Arrange mobility assistance if needed.
  • Save the venue’s telephone number.
12 / Frequently asked questions

10 FAQs About Henry B. González Convention Center

1. Where is Henry B. González Convention Center located?

Henry B. González Convention Center is located at 900 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, beside the downtown River Walk and Hemisfair district.

2. How much does Convention Center Garage parking cost?

The convention center’s published parking page lists $10 daily flat-rate parking and a $15 weekend rate at the Convention Center Garage, 850 E. Commerce Street. Special-event changes are possible.

3. Does Henry Gonzalez Convention Center have free parking?

The venue does not provide guaranteed free public attendee parking. Visitors use paid city garages, hotel garages and other nearby parking facilities.

4. What is the nearest public garage?

Convention Center Garage at 850 E. Commerce Street is across from the convention center’s main entrance area and Lila Cockrell Theatre. It is a useful first option for many events.

5. Where can I find Henry Gonzalez Convention Center events?

Use the official venue events and news pages or the published convention event calendar. Individual organizers manage ticket sales, registration rules, public admission and event hours.

6. Which hotels are closest to the convention center?

Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk and San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk are immediately beside or opposite the convention complex. Hilton Palacio del Rio and Marriott Rivercenter are also nearby.

7. How big is Stars at Night Ballroom?

Stars at Night Ballroom is 54,717 square feet. Its published configurations include up to 5,662 theater-style guests or 3,190 banquet guests, subject to the final approved setup.

8. Is Lila Cockrell Theatre part of the convention center?

Yes. Lila Cockrell Theatre is part of the Henry B. González Convention Center complex and has separate performance and ticketing arrangements.

9. How far is San Antonio International Airport?

San Antonio International Airport is roughly eight to nine miles from the downtown convention center. Driving time varies with traffic, weather and event conditions.

10. How do I book an event at Henry Gonzalez Convention Center?

Contact the convention center booking team at 210-207-8555 or use the official planning website. Prepare proposed dates, expected attendance, room requirements and event service needs.

13 / Related San Antonio guide

More Detailed Henry B. González Parking and Event Information

14 / Verified official resources

Henry Gonzalez Convention Center Official Maps, Rates and Visitor Links

Reviewed October 16, 2026. Parking rates, events, tickets, building access, hotel policies and transportation schedules can change. This is an independent visitor guide; confirm time-sensitive details with the venue, organizer or responsible parking operator.