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American Bank Center facts for kids

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American Bank Center
American Bank Center Logo.jpg
AmericanBankCenterCorpus (cropped).jpg
Former names Bayfront Plaza (1978–2004)
Address 1901 North Shoreline Boulevard
Location Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
Coordinates 27°48′26.42″N 97°23′36.82″W / 27.8073389°N 97.3935611°W / 27.8073389; -97.3935611
Owner City of Corpus Christi
(operated by Oak View Group)
Type Entertainment complex
Capacity 10,000 (arena)
2,500 (Selena Auditorium)
Construction
Opened 1978
Renovated 2002, 2005
Tenants
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders (NCAA) (2004–present)
Corpus Christi Rayz/IceRays (CHL) (2004–2010)
Corpus Christi Sharks (AF2) (2007–2009)
Corpus Christi IceRays (NAHL) (2010–present)
Corpus Christi Fury (UIFL/XLIF/AIF) (2013–2016)
Hurricane Alley Roller Derby (WFTDA) (2015–present)
Corpus Christi Rage (NAL) (2017)
Corpus Christi Tritons (AIF/NAL) (2024–present)

The American Bank Center is a super cool place in Corpus Christi, Texas. It's a big entertainment complex where lots of exciting things happen. This center has an auditorium, a convention center, and a large arena.

You can catch many different events here. These include big meetings, trade shows, fun exhibitions, live concerts, and thrilling sports games. It's the home ice for the Corpus Christi IceRays hockey team. It also hosts the Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders men's and women's college basketball teams. The city of Corpus Christi owns this awesome venue.

Explore the American Bank Center Facilities

The American Bank Center has three main parts. Each part is designed for different kinds of events. Let's take a look at what makes each one special.

The American Bank Center Arena: Sports and Shows

The American Bank Center Arena is a huge indoor space. It's right next to the convention center. Building this arena was a big project. It started in November 2002 and finished in October 2004.

This arena has a special seating design. It makes a large space feel more like a theater. Up to 10,000 people can watch sports games or concerts here. The arena cost over $49 million to build.

Selena Auditorium: Music and Performances

The Selena Auditorium first opened in 1979. It was known as the Bayfront Plaza Auditorium back then. This venue was once used to film the Johnny Canales Show.

In 1996, it was renamed to honor Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. She was a famous Tejano musician from the area. Her memorial was held here the year before. The auditorium was updated in 2004. It can hold up to 2,500 people. People love its great sound quality. It's one of the most popular places for entertainment in the Texas Coastal Bend.

American Bank Center Convention Center: Meetings and Expos

The convention center opened in 1980. It was first called the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center. It got a makeover and a new name in November 2004. Now it's the American Bank Center Convention Center.

This center has five exhibit halls for big displays. It also has two ballrooms and 21 meeting rooms. The main ballroom is called the Henry Garrett Ballroom. Many large events, like the South Texas Oilfield Expo, have been held here.

Exciting Events at the Center

The American Bank Center hosts a variety of exciting events. From sports to live shows, there's always something happening.

Professional Wrestling Shows

The arena has been home to big professional wrestling events. On May 31, 2015, WWE held its Elimination Chamber pay-per-view here. In 2019, the arena also hosted an episode of AEW Dynamite.

Other Sports Competitions

Besides wrestling, the arena has also hosted other intense sports. Events like EliteXC: Renegade in 2007 and WEC 39 in 2009 took place here. These events brought exciting competitions to Corpus Christi.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: American Bank Center para niños

  • List of NCAA Division I basketball arenas
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