HOUSTON, Texas – The recently expanded George R. Brown Convention Center is ready to stage another highly successful indoor playground when the John Hancock All-Star FanFest is held July 9-13 inside the convention center in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s 75th All-Star Game at neighboring Minute Maid Park.

After completing a $165 million expansion project in December 2003, the downtown convention center hosted record crowds for the NFL Experience held in association with Super Bowl XXXVIII in January. A repeat performance is anticipated six months later when throngs of baseball fans are expected to fill the building during the John Hancock All-Star FanFest for the next five days at the George R. Brown, which is within home-run distance of Minute Maid Park.

With more than 40 baseball-themed attractions, the interactive spectacular will occupy virtually the entire ground floor of the convention center. Fans can test their skills in state-of-the-art video batting and pitching cages, watch baseballs, bats and other equipment being made, participate in clinics taught by professional players and coaches, and walk through exhibits dedicated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the heroes of the Negro Leagues.
“This is another showcase of our ability to host huge events,” said GRBCC director Dawn Ullrich. “We learned in January that our bigger building was easily able to accommodate large influxes of people without a hitch. Baseball fans will have ample elbow room as they move around and enjoy themselves inside the convention center.”

At 1.85 million gross square feet, the George R. Brown now ranks among the 10 largest convention centers in America. The building features 1.2 million square feet of exhibition, meeting and registration space and has seven exhibit halls and more than 100 meeting rooms. In addition, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system has been installed building-wide and 40-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors have been installed in 17 locations to accommodate baseball fans and will remain as permanent additions to the convention center after FanFest.

Contact:

Pete Radowick
713-853-8077
peter.radowick@cityofhouston.net

Anna Hawley
713-853-8287
anna.hawley@cityofhouston.net