McAllen Convention Center: event and exhibition space

Welcome to the McAllen Convention Center — the premier event venue that combines scale, style, and versatility in one dynamic space. Located at 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501, this center is a cornerstone of the city and a magnet for events of all sizes, from international expos and business conferences to concerts and cultural festivals.

History of McAllen Convention Center

The McAllen Convention Center opened in 2007 and quickly became a hub for the event industry in the Rio Grande Valley. Over its history, it has hosted more than 3,000 events, including Texas Cook’Em, McAllen Holiday Parade, TEDx McAllen, and global trade shows. With its modern architecture and thoughtful infrastructure, the center is a vital part of South Texas’s business and cultural landscape.

Advantages of McAllen Convention Center

• Venue Size: Over 174,000 square feet of total space
• Capacity: Up to 3,500 guests at once
• Unique Design: Modern Spanish-style architecture with local cultural elements
• Outdoor Areas: A pond with fountains, an amphitheater, and scenic walkways
• Advanced Technology: High-speed Wi-Fi, multimedia systems, and flexible space configurations
• Convenient Location: Surrounded by hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and ample parking

Video Tour of McAllen Convention Center

Event Spaces at McAllen Convention Center

The center offers versatile spaces for events of all types:

• Exhibit Hall: 60,000 sq. ft. — perfect for trade shows, expos, and sports events
• Ballroom: 16,000 sq. ft. — ideal for weddings, galas, concerts, and corporate events
• Meeting Rooms: 16 configurable conference rooms, ranging from 400 to 3,000 sq. ft.
• Outdoor Amphitheater: Open-air stage for up to 1,000 people, great for music festivals and theater
• Oval Park: Green space for outdoor events and leisurely strolls

How to Get to McAllen Convention Center

• By Car: Conveniently located near I-2, with parking for over 2,000 vehicles
• Public Transit: Metro McAllen offers routes with stops at the center
• By Bike or Foot: Bike lanes and pedestrian paths connect the center to nearby areas
• By Air: Just 10 minutes from McAllen International Airport, with direct flights from major U.S. cities

Tips for Visitors

• Book a nearby hotel like Embassy Suites or Cambria Hotel for easy access
• Visit Oval Park at sunset for free evening events and concerts
• Explore restaurants and bars on 10th Street for diverse dining options
• Use the center’s concierge service for transfers and local tour planning
• Connect to free Wi-Fi and download the Experience McAllen app for navigation

Signature Events at McAllen Convention Center

• McAllen Holiday Parade: The region’s largest parade, drawing over 250,000 spectators
• Texas Cook’Em: A prestigious culinary competition featuring top chefs nationwide
• South Texas Comic Con: A vibrant pop-culture festival in South Texas
• Festival of Lights: A Christmas light show with live music and family-friendly entertainment

Requirements for Event Organizers

To book a space at the McAllen Convention Center, organizers must:

• Submit an event description and estimated attendance
• Coordinate plans with the center’s technical team
• Sign a rental agreement and pay a deposit
• Comply with safety and fire regulations
• Provide liability insurance (if required)

The center’s team offers full support, from technical setup to event marketing.