Century Center Convention Hall | South Bend

The Century Center Convention Hall, located in downtown South Bend, Indiana, is part of the larger Century Center complex-a premier convention, conference, and event facility that serves as a focal point for business, cultural, and social gatherings in the region. Designed by the renowned architectural duo Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the Century Center opened in 1977 and has since played a critical role in supporting South Bend’s economic development and cultural vibrancy.

Facility Overview

The Century Center is a multi-functional complex offering over 100,000 square feet of event space distributed across various halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and theaters, making it one of the most versatile and comprehensive venues in Northern Indiana. The Convention Hall, in particular, is a central feature designed to accommodate large-scale exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, banquets, and other high-capacity events.

Convention Hall Size and Layout: The Convention Hall itself spans approximately 25,000 square feet and is a column-free space, which means it has an unobstructed floor plan. This flexibility allows event organizers to configure the space in numerous ways, whether for exhibition booths, large banquets, concerts, or conferences. The hall can be divided into two separate sections, offering adaptability for events of varying sizes.

Discovery Ballroom: Adjacent to the Convention Hall is the Discovery Ballroom, measuring about 12,000 square feet. This ballroom features an elegant marble foyer and custom lighting systems, perfect for weddings, corporate dinners, gala events, or breakout sessions during conventions. The ballroom can also be split into two smaller sections, allowing for simultaneous or smaller-scale functions.

Great Hall: Located on a lower level, the Great Hall covers approximately 16,640 square feet and is notable for its striking architectural feature-30-foot floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the St. Joseph River. This bright and airy space provides an exceptional ambiance, especially for receptions, art shows, or ceremonies that benefit from natural light and scenic views.

Meeting Rooms: The Century Center houses 18 meeting rooms that can be combined into over 35 different configurations. These spaces accommodate smaller seminars, breakout sessions, board meetings, and workshops. Equipped with modern audiovisual technology, these rooms offer a professional environment conducive to productive gatherings.

Theaters within the Complex:

The Bendix Theatre seats 569 guests and is equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems, making it suitable for theatrical performances, concerts, lectures, and presentations.

The Recital Hall, a more intimate venue seating 164, is ideal for smaller performances, meetings, or private events.

Location and Accessibility

The Century Center is strategically located at 120 South St. Joseph Street, in the heart of downtown South Bend. This central location ensures proximity to the city’s hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions, making it convenient for visitors and event attendees.

Parking: The facility offers a dedicated 265-space flat parking lot adjacent to the building, with a flat-rate fee. Additionally, over 2,000 parking spaces are available within a two-block radius, including garages and street parking, which provides ample capacity for large events.

Hotel Connectivity: The Century Center is directly connected by an enclosed, climate-controlled skywalk to the 292-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. This seamless connection enhances convenience for conference attendees, allowing easy access between lodging and event spaces regardless of weather conditions.

Accessibility: The venue complies with ADA standards, providing accessible entrances, restrooms, seating, and services to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Services and Amenities

Catering: Catering services at the Century Center are exclusively managed by SAVOR… South Bend, a professional food and beverage partner known for its high-quality, customizable menus. SAVOR offers a wide range of culinary options, from casual buffets to elegant plated dinners, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their event planners collaborate closely with clients to design menus and service plans tailored to each event’s needs.

Event Planning Support: The Century Center offers comprehensive event planning assistance, including audiovisual support, room setup, logistics coordination, and vendor referrals. Their experienced staff work with clients from initial inquiry through event execution to ensure a smooth, successful experience.

Technology: The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including high-definition projectors, sound systems, lighting rigs, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout, supporting everything from keynote presentations to live performances.

Outdoor Space

Adjacent to the Century Center is Island Park & Pavilion, an 11-acre riverfront park accessible via a crosswalk over the West Race Canal. This outdoor space provides a scenic setting for receptions, festivals, outdoor concerts, and other events that benefit from natural surroundings. The park’s landscaping, picnic areas, and pavilion structures enhance the versatility of the Century Center’s offerings, allowing for hybrid indoor-outdoor events.

Event Types Hosted

The Century Center Convention Hall and its associated spaces host a wide spectrum of events, including but not limited to:

Large trade shows and industry expos

Corporate conferences and meetings

Banquets, weddings, and social celebrations

Cultural events, festivals, and art exhibits

Educational seminars and workshops

Concerts, theatrical performances, and community events

Its flexible design and central location make it an ideal venue for regional, national, and international gatherings.

Summary

The Century Center Convention Hall is a highly versatile, architecturally significant venue that serves as a cornerstone of South Bend’s event and cultural landscape. Its expansive, column-free convention hall, complemented by elegant ballrooms, adaptable meeting rooms, and theaters, provides an unmatched combination of space, amenities, and services. Strategically located downtown with convenient parking and hotel access, it supports a wide array of events-from large-scale conventions to intimate performances-enhancing the city’s reputation as a destination for business, culture, and celebration. The inclusion of outdoor spaces like Island Park further enriches the venue’s offerings, allowing event planners to craft unique and memorable experiences in a picturesque riverfront setting.