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American Bank Center Information
The new Arena is being constructed adjacent to the Convention Center. The 150,000 square foot building will be located on the corner of Shoreline Boulevard and Resaca Street. The American Bank Center Arena is unique from other arenas of this size due to its split-tiered seating system, which puts every spectator closer to performers for an intimate setting. In addition, the Arena is built in a horseshoe configuration which creates an optimum experience for end-stage entertainment and allows for the future expansion of 2,500 seats when the market warrants. The state-of-the-art venue will accommodate approximately 8,000 fixed seats for sporting events such as basketball, ice hockey, boxing, and more. An additional 2,000 seats can be provided for concerts and entertainment events. The event floor also will accommodate exhibition space, which will supplement exhibitions at the adjoining Convention Center. Groundbreaking was on November 3, 2002, and the completion date is set for the Fall of 2004, prior to opening of 2004 basketball and ice hockey seasons.
State-of-the-Art Amenities
Suites 11
Club Seats 302
Concession Areas 7
Public Bathrooms 28
Ticket Windows 9
Club Bar 1
Locker Rooms 4
Arena Facts
Project Architects Thompson Ventulett Stainback & Associates
Arquitectonica
Gignac & Associates
Project Manager Gilbane
Anderson Group Construction Management
Arena Contractor Fulton Coast Con
Project Value $49,562,000
Funding 1/8 cent sales tax approved by voters in November 2000 as part of the Bond 2000
The new American Bank Center Arena and renovated Convention Center design makes a clear statement of orientation and development towards Shoreline Boulevard and Corpus Christi Bay. General public and VIP drop off areas are provided along Shoreline Boulevard and Resaca Street, and the walk along Resaca Street is made equally inviting with a series of ramps and stairs leading to the plaza from which the building rises.
The main concourse runs parallel to Shoreline Boulevard and Resaca Street. It is lined with glass walls with views of the bay and the downtown skyline. The administrative offices are also located on this level. A grand stair and adjacent escalator rise prominently in the east atrium along Shoreline Boulevard. Escalators connect the main concourse and the mezzanine level concourse along the east side of the arena, and a third escalator connects the mezzanine level to the upper concourse. Grand staircases access all levels as well.
The VIP club is located off the southeast elevator bank. It has a direct view of the event floor and has a bar, dining area, and a more exclusive dining area at the most prominent corner facing the bay and downtown. The elevation of the suites, only 15 rows from the event floor, brings their sightlines to an ideal distance and height with respect to the event floor. Above this mezzanine there is a spectator balcony level. The north balcony is accessed along the mezzanine concourse, while the south balcony is accessed from the upper concourse.
The bowl has a horseshoe configuration, with the balcony open along the east side to reveal a view of the bay and its dramatic skies. This expanse allows natural light into the Arena, which can be blacked out by monumental shades that would descend to reveal the city logo and name. The horseshoe bowl faces the west end, where the end stage will be located.
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