Henry B. González Convention Center: rigging, loading and technical services

1. Rooms and reference dimensions

The official plan locates Stars at Night and Hemisfair on the ballroom level. Dimensions and occupancies are architectural estimates: staging and other equipment reduce capacity. Published ceiling height is not available height for a motor, display or structure.

2. Docks, freight and contracted dates

Hall 1–2 (East) and Hall 3–4 (West) docks are restricted: technical access requires authorization, ID check and a daily wristband. Market Street is a passenger pickup and drop-off area, not a freight entrance. The 2024 dock procedure describes 20-minute passes for private vehicles and a 5 mph speed limit; confirm the current route.

The venue does not guarantee docks or move-in days outside contracted dates and does not supply handling tools. Its 2026 policy prohibits blocking dock ramps and fire lanes. The 2024 procedure describes authorized exceptions; do not treat those as current permission.

3. Rigging: points, providers and the literal threshold

Use only approved hanging points. Under the policy, a qualified provider may rig items below 250 lb; above 250 lb Encore must review and approve, and supply and hang hoists and motors. The client may provide truss; work below the motor and in Lila Cockrell Theatre is nonexclusive.

The wording does not expressly assign an item of exactly 250 lb. Seek a written determination. The threshold allocates service responsibility; it is not a point-load rating. The project still needs a point plot, loads, method and approval. The advertised CAD files were not inspected.

4. Power, house audio and network

Encore is the preferred AV provider, not exclusive for all audiovisual work. House-audio patching requires supervision and a fee; microphones and visual aids are not included in room rental. Lila Cockrell Theatre requires a house technician during client activity.

Temporary power must be ordered through an exclusive provider listed by the venue. SmartCity exclusively provides telecommunications. Free common-area Wi-Fi does not establish bandwidth or redundancy for streaming or show control. Electrical and data allocations must be confirmed for each event.

5. Floors, risers and usable height

The policy restricts freight in passenger elevators and carts or wheels on terrazzo. Confirm surface protection, route, wheel and support loads, and equipment conditions with the venue. The reviewed sections do not establish a universal floor-load allowance.

Venue risers reach 40 in but are not performance platforms; performance staging needs a contractor scope. Ceiling dimensions and architectural plans also do not replace structural engineering and a verified usable height.

6. Fire Marshal plans, authority and changes

For exhibits and large assemblies, the policy requires advance Fire Marshal approval of floor plans. The 2024 fire document requires scaled plans with a permit application at least 15 days before the first public day. Elevated occupied structures subject to IBC Chapter 16 require construction documents sealed by a registered design professional.

Changes affecting egress, fire protection, access or special hazards must be resubmitted and reinspected before opening. The authority’s final walkthrough is separate from submitting the plan. This guide certifies no permit and does not replace the authority’s decision.

7. Responsibilities to confirm with the venue

The table summarizes published provider roles. The contract and event coordinator’s instructions determine the actual scope; naming a provider does not establish availability, price or design acceptance.

8. Event decision package

Assemble the room and dock plans, contracted schedule, rigging plot and point loads, weights and floor routes, allocated power and network services, safety plan, approvals and inspections. Record the owner of each decision and any approved change before move-in.