San Antonio, Texas • Downtown River Walk Guide
San Antonio Convention Center: Events, Parking, Hotels & Visitor Map
The Henry B. González Convention Center is San Antonio’s major downtown convention and exhibition venue, located beside the famous River Walk, Hemisfair and historic attractions.
Whether you are attending a trade show, conference, public exhibition or performance at Lila Cockrell Theatre, this guide explains parking prices, event schedules, meeting spaces, nearby hotels, directions and the best way to find your entrance.
Venue address: 900 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-207-8500
Henry B. González Convention Center: Quick Facts
| Official name | Henry B. González Convention Center |
|---|---|
| Common name | San Antonio Convention Center |
| Physical address | 900 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
| Telephone | 210-207-8500 |
| Management | City of San Antonio |
| Location | Downtown, adjacent to the River Walk and Hemisfair |
| Exhibit space | Approximately 514,000 square feet of contiguous space |
| Ballrooms | Stars at Night Ballroom and Hemisfair Ballroom |
| Meeting facilities | Over 70 meeting rooms on multiple levels |
| Theater | Lila Cockrell Theatre, part of the convention complex |
| Venue parking | No official venue-owned public parking; nearby garages and surface lots charge fees |
| Airport | San Antonio International Airport, approximately eight miles away |
| Visitor hours | Depend on the event and assigned rooms |
| Official city website | sahbgcc.com |
San Antonio Convention Center Events: October–November 2026
The Henry B. González Convention Center hosts professional associations, trade shows, medical meetings, public exhibitions, conferences and special events. The following are selected dates published on the venue event calendar.
Professional medical convention with exhibitions and educational programming. Confirm your registration category, credential and meeting room assignment.
Professional conference using convention center facilities and Lila Cockrell Theatre. Attendees should check which building or room hosts each session.
Professional meeting. Session registration, attendance eligibility and program hours are managed by the organizer.
Education-related conference. Check detailed schedules and event access instructions with the host organization.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics event. Confirm attendance requirements, exhibitor information and specific hall assignments.
Major professional meeting using convention center facilities, with related programming also listed at Lila Cockrell Theatre.
How to Find Your Event’s Tickets and Entrance
Confirm whether registration is free, paid, invitation-only or limited to professionals.
Look for an exhibit hall number, meeting-room number, Stars at Night Ballroom or Lila Cockrell Theatre.
Compare garages by price and proximity to the assigned event entrance.
Keep your digital ticket, confirmation email, badge instructions and required identification available.
San Antonio Convention Center Parking: Garages and Rates
One important detail surprises first-time visitors: the Henry B. González Convention Center does not operate an official public parking lot. However, a number of nearby city and private garages serve the venue.
| Garage or lot | Published reference rate | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Convention Center Garage | $10 daily flat; $15 weekend | 850 E. Commerce Street |
| Grand Hyatt Garage | $23 first hour; $28 for 1–2 hours; $33 for 2–3 hours; $45 plus tax for 4–24 hours | 600 E. Market Street |
| Convention Center South | Mon–Thu $3/hour, max $30; Fri–Sun $5/hour, max $30 | 637 S. Tower of the Americas Way |
| Riverbend Garage | $16 daily; $16–$20 events/weekends | 210 N. Presa Street |
| Tower of the Americas Parking | Mon–Wed $8; Thu–Sun $11; special events $15 | 801 Cesar Chavez Boulevard |
| Shops at Rivercenter – Commerce | $5 first hour plus $1 per additional 15 minutes; $20 for 5–12 hours; $25 for 12–24 hours | 849 E. Commerce Street |
| Shops at Rivercenter – Crockett | Same published hourly and longer-stay structure as the Commerce location | 300 E. Crockett Street |
Which Parking Garage Should You Choose?
Best Value Starting Point
$10 / $15
Convention Center Garage at 850 E. Commerce Street is directly across from the main entrance and Lila Cockrell Theatre. The venue lists a $10 daily flat rate and $15 weekend rate.
Closest Premium Option
$45 + tax
Grand Hyatt Garage at 600 E. Market Street is identified by the venue as its closest parking garage. The published price applies to a four- to 24-hour stay.
South-Side Alternative
Convention Center South may suit visitors approaching from Hemisfair or the southern side of the venue.
Check the hourly structure and $30 daily maximum before parking.
Lower-Cost Downtown Alternative
Tower of the Americas Parking has comparatively low published flat prices but may require a longer walk depending on your event room.
How to Avoid Parking Problems
- Check which venue entrance or event hall you need.
- Pick two garages before your trip: a preferred location and a backup.
- Use the garage’s specific address for navigation.
- Review current hours, vehicle clearance and event-day rate.
- Check whether parking permits re-entry and whether overnight parking is allowed.
- Save your parking level, exit and payment confirmation.
Convention Center Map and Driving Directions
The convention center is on East Market Street near the River Walk, Hemisfair, Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk and the Shops at Rivercenter.
Driving From San Antonio Airport
Follow the airport exit road toward downtown San Antonio.
Continue toward downtown following current road signs.
Turn toward the downtown convention district.
Proceed toward the convention center and choose the designated garage entrance near Bowie Street.
Approaching From Major Texas Highways
| Starting direction | General official approach |
|---|---|
| Austin or Dallas | I-35 South toward I-37 South, then East César E. Chávez Boulevard |
| Houston | I-10 West toward I-37 North and downtown exits |
| Corpus Christi | I-37 North, using the downtown East César E. Chávez Boulevard exit |
| El Paso | I-10 East toward I-35 and the downtown approach |
Floor Plans: Exhibit Halls, Ballrooms and Meeting Rooms
The Henry B. González Convention Center is one of Texas’s largest event facilities. It provides about 514,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, more than 70 meeting rooms and multiple levels of conference facilities.
| Event space | Published area | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Hall 1 | 86,878 sq. ft. | Expos and trade-show exhibits |
| Exhibit Hall 2 | 183,712 sq. ft. | Major exhibitions and conventions |
| Exhibit Hall 3 | 95,930 sq. ft. | Conventions, competitions and exhibitions |
| Exhibit Hall 4A | 65,768 sq. ft. | Divisible exhibition hall |
| Exhibit Hall 4B | 65,028 sq. ft. | Divisible exhibition hall |
| Bridge Hall | 16,628 sq. ft. | Additional exhibition space |
| Stars at Night Ballroom | 54,717 sq. ft. in detailed floor plans | Large banquets, conferences and receptions |
| Hemisfair Ballroom | 39,576 sq. ft. | Banquets, general sessions and receptions |
| Meeting rooms | 70+ rooms across the facility | Workshops, breakouts and smaller events |
The hall areas are individual published plan figures. The venue separately describes approximately 514,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space; do not add every individual plan figure to estimate usable space without checking the official layout and configurations.
Stars at Night Ballroom
The Stars at Night Ballroom is the center’s signature ballroom. The venue describes it as approximately 54,000 square feet; its detailed room table lists 54,717 square feet. It can be divided into three sections and has a striking balcony overlooking Market Street.
| Configuration | Published approximate capacity |
|---|---|
| Theater seating | 5,662 guests |
| Classroom | 3,296 guests |
| Reception | 5,400 guests |
| Banquet | 3,190 guests |
Hemisfair Ballroom
The Hemisfair Ballroom is approximately 39,576 square feet, divisible into three sections. Its adjoining pre-function area adds approximately 9,203 square feet for registration, networking and receptions.
Which Level Is Your Meeting On?
Street Level
Major exhibit halls, main entrances, registration areas and Lila Cockrell Theatre access.
River Level
Meeting and event spaces closer to the River Walk side of the facility.
Meeting Level
Breakout rooms and conference functions. Look for the correct room number and elevator/escalator route.
Ballroom Level
Large ballroom functions, pre-function areas and related meeting rooms.
Hotels Near San Antonio Convention Center
One of the convention center’s greatest advantages is its location in the River Walk hotel district. Many downtown hotels are within walking distance, including properties immediately across the street.
| Hotel | Address | Reason to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk | 600 E. Market Street | Extremely close to the venue and Lila Cockrell Theatre; convenient for large conferences |
| San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk | 101 Bowie Street | Across the street from the convention district; useful for meeting delegates |
| San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk | 889 E. Market Street | Directly opposite the convention center vicinity |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk | 303 Blum Street | Nearby hotel option with convenient access to the convention area |
| Hotel Contessa | 306 W. Market Street | River Walk hotel option within the larger downtown district |
| Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk | 123 Losoya Street | Convenient for combining conference attendance with River Walk sightseeing |
How to Choose a Hotel
For a Business Convention
Prioritize the correct meeting entrance, group-room availability, business services and early breakfast.
For a Family Trip
Compare pool amenities, bed configurations, total room price and access to River Walk activities.
When Driving
Compare nightly hotel parking charges with the daily cost of attending your convention. Hotel parking is usually a separate fee.
For Longer Stays
Review cancellation conditions, laundry services and how easily you can return to the room during the conference day.
Booking advice: If your event organizer offers a discounted room block, check it before selecting a public rate. Room availability and the total cost can change significantly during large conventions.
San Antonio Airport, VIA Buses, Taxis and Rideshare
San Antonio International Airport is approximately eight miles from downtown. The convention center’s guidance gives an approximate driving time of 15–20 minutes under normal conditions, but the trip can take longer with traffic.
Airport Taxi or Rideshare
For travelers with luggage, a direct trip to 900 E. Market Street or their downtown hotel is often the most convenient option.
Check current airport pickup areas and the quoted fare before booking.
Rental Car
Useful if you plan excursions beyond downtown San Antonio. However, daily hotel parking and convention-area parking charges can make it expensive for an event-only trip.
VIA Metropolitan Transit
San Antonio’s public bus network connects different areas of the city. Check current routes, fares, transfers and stop locations using the official VIA service information.
Walking Downtown
The venue’s River Walk location makes it possible to reach numerous nearby hotels, restaurants and attractions without using a car after arrival.
Airport Transfer Checklist
- Confirm your arrival terminal and baggage claim.
- Choose a taxi, rideshare, public transit or rental car.
- If heading directly to an event, use the appropriate entrance instead of a hotel-only loading area.
- Allow extra time for rush-hour traffic or large event arrivals.
- Check in advance whether your hotel can hold luggage before room check-in.
Accessibility, Visitor Amenities and Entry Rules
Henry B. González Convention Center provides guest services, accessible meeting spaces, directional signage, dining options and a business center.
| Topic | Visitor information |
|---|---|
| Guest Services | Information desks in the Main Lobby and West Lobby |
| Wayfinding | Interactive information kiosks and electronic room displays |
| Accessibility | Improved accessible circulation, elevators and routes across multiple levels |
| Outside food/drinks | Generally prohibited under venue policy |
| Catering | The RK Group is the venue’s exclusive concessionaire and caterer |
| Helium balloons | Not permitted; air-filled balloons are permitted under general policy |
| Confetti eggs and glitter | Not permitted anywhere in the convention center or Lila Cockrell Theatre |
| Printing and shipping | The UPS Store near the Main Lobby |
| On-site food | Three advertised dining locations, depending on operating schedule |
| Event security | Additional bag, identification and admission rules may be imposed by individual organizers |
Accessibility Planning
- Confirm the correct exhibit hall or ballroom before selecting your drop-off area.
- Check the accessible route between the parking garage and event entrance.
- Request specific mobility or seating accommodations ahead of time.
- Ask Guest Services for elevator and accessible restroom directions.
- Inform the organizer if a conference layout creates special accessibility requirements.
Lila Cockrell Theatre: Convention Center Performances
Lila Cockrell Theatre is part of the Henry B. González Convention Center complex. It is used for live performances, conference sessions, keynote presentations and cultural events.
Where to Go
The theater is near the main convention center entrance and adjacent to Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk.
For parking, the Convention Center Garage and Grand Hyatt Garage are both listed as convenient options.
Tickets and Seating
The theater has a seating capacity of approximately 2,317. The organizer or ticket seller determines admission, seating assignments and performance policies.
Exhibitor Information: Loading, Utilities and Setup
For exhibitors, the convention center has substantial event infrastructure, including exhibit hall loading docks, electrical connections, telecommunications, water and drainage services.
Exhibit Halls
Hall 2 is the largest published exhibit hall, with approximately 183,712 square feet of space. Hall 4 can be divided into sections 4A and 4B.
Technical Services
Venue utilities include electricity, telecommunications, compressed air, water and drainage connections. Service charges depend on event orders and requirements.
Before Exhibitor Move-In
- Confirm the assigned exhibit hall and booth number.
- Read your show’s official exhibitor manual.
- Check freight delivery and loading-dock instructions.
- Order electricity, telecommunications and other services before deadlines.
- Review booth safety, height and rigging requirements.
- Arrange necessary labor, decorating and freight handling.
- Confirm insurance and tax or vendor-license obligations where applicable.
How to Book San Antonio Convention Center for an Event
The City of San Antonio operates the Henry B. González Convention Center for business conventions, trade exhibitions, corporate events, banquets and other approved gatherings.
Estimate attendance, preferred dates, exhibit booths, required meeting rooms, staging and catering needs.
Review the official floor plans for exhibit halls, Stars at Night Ballroom, Hemisfair Ballroom and smaller meeting rooms.
Include rental charges, catering, audiovisual services, electricity, technical labor, security, furnishings and cleaning.
Call the booking division at 210-207-8555 or use the official venue’s meeting and event inquiry process.
Discuss hall availability, preferred event layout, anticipated attendance and operational requirements.
Confirm deposits, cancellation terms, approved suppliers, insurance requirements and final service deadlines before signing.
When to Choose Each Type of Space
| Event format | Potential venue space |
|---|---|
| Large trade show | Combined exhibit halls or large individual exhibition halls |
| Corporate gala or banquet | Stars at Night Ballroom or Hemisfair Ballroom |
| Educational conference | Meeting rooms and divisible breakout spaces |
| Keynote or stage performance | Lila Cockrell Theatre or approved ballroom configuration |
| Private reception | Pre-function, River Walk-facing or approved special event space |
Important: Space availability and final guest capacity depend on setup, venue approval and the existing calendar. An inquiry is not a confirmed reservation.
Things to Do Near San Antonio Convention Center
The venue’s downtown location is ideal for attendees with time between conference sessions. Several major San Antonio destinations are nearby.
San Antonio River Walk
Scenic riverside pathways, dining, shops and boat-tour options. The convention center sits alongside the River Walk district.
Hemisfair
A downtown park district next to the convention center, with public spaces, family-friendly activities and access to the Tower of the Americas.
The Alamo
Historic landmark in downtown San Antonio. Visitors can combine sightseeing with a nearby convention stay.
Shops at Rivercenter
Shopping and dining destination near the River Walk, with its own parking garages and visitor facilities.
Local tip: The River Walk has street-level and below-street-level routes. If mobility or time is a concern, confirm a step-free pedestrian route between the convention center, hotel and restaurant.
Before You Go: Visitor Checklist
- Confirm the event date, opening time and ticket requirements.
- Save the venue address: 900 E. Market Street.
- Identify your exhibit hall, ballroom or theater entrance.
- Choose your preferred parking garage and one backup.
- Check garage rates and special-event surcharges.
- Bring your registration confirmation and required ID.
- Review policies on outside food, bags and decorations.
- Confirm hotel parking separately from convention parking.
- Arrange accessibility accommodations if necessary.
- Save the venue’s phone number: 210-207-8500.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the official name of San Antonio Convention Center?
The official name is Henry B. González Convention Center. It is located in downtown San Antonio near the River Walk and Hemisfair.
2. Where is San Antonio Convention Center located?
The venue is at 900 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205. The main address is different from the addresses of nearby parking garages.
3. Is parking free at San Antonio Convention Center?
No. The venue states that it does not operate an official public parking facility. Nearby city and private garages charge fees, with prices depending on the garage, duration and event.
4. How much does Convention Center Garage parking cost?
The venue’s published parking directory lists Convention Center Garage at 850 E. Commerce Street with a $10 daily flat rate and $15 weekend rate. Verify the posted price before parking.
5. What upcoming events are at San Antonio Convention Center?
Selected published October and November 2026 events include the North American Spine Society Annual Convention, Texas Society of Architects Annual Conference, ASPPA Annual Conference, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, and American Public Health Association Annual Meeting.
6. How big is Henry B. González Convention Center?
The venue advertises approximately 514,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, more than 70 meeting rooms and major ballrooms including the Stars at Night Ballroom.
7. Which hotels are closest to San Antonio Convention Center?
Nearby hotels include Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, Marriott Rivercenter, Marriott Riverwalk and La Quinta Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk. Distances and rates should be checked for your travel dates.
8. How far is San Antonio Convention Center from the airport?
San Antonio International Airport is approximately eight miles from downtown. The venue’s published guidance estimates about 15–20 minutes by car under typical conditions, although traffic can increase travel time.
9. Is Lila Cockrell Theatre part of the convention center?
Yes. Lila Cockrell Theatre is part of the Henry B. González Convention Center complex and is located near Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. Event admission and seating instructions are determined by the organizer.
10. How do I book Henry B. González Convention Center for an event?
Review the venue’s floor plans and prepare event dates, attendance and technical requirements. Contact the convention center’s booking division at 210-207-8555 to discuss space availability, pricing and contractual requirements.
Official Parking, Events and Venue Resources
Final Visitor Recommendation
Henry B. González Convention Center combines major exhibition facilities with one of Texas’s most convenient downtown visitor locations. River Walk hotels, restaurants, entertainment and tourist attractions are all within the surrounding district.
Before leaving: check your event hall and entrance, use a specific parking-garage address, verify the posted event-day charge and save your registration instructions. Visitors staying at a nearby hotel may be able to walk to the venue and avoid paying separate convention parking fees.
Independent San Antonio convention center visitor guide based on published City of San Antonio, venue and event information reviewed in October 2026. Parking rates, events and venue rules can change.