Event Planner Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There are several options available.For detailed information visit the directions page.

The Special Events Center has 3 surface level parking areas, one located near the West entrance of the building and one on the East entrance of the building. There is also overflow parking in between the two lots. Parking fees for public events vary. Please check with sales team representative for more information.

In general the box office at the Special Events Center opens one hour prior to the start of the event. For specific information visit the upcoming events section of this website.

We have made every effort to accommodate people with disabilities. Throughout the complex, you will find entrances, elevators, restrooms and services that offer the accessibility that is required. Accessible parking is available in both the east and west lot.

The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland is located directly across our parking lot and the Holiday Inn Garland North is located on the opposite side of the George Bush Freeway directly across from the Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland. Additionally there are many other hotels just a short distance away. Please check under the hotel section of this website.

Outside food and beverage is not permitted. Most arena events have concession stands available and catering can be provided for all conference center events.

The Special Events Center offers a family bathroom on the concourse level of the arena.

Events organizers set the policy for their individual events. The Special Events Center does not permit the use of tripods and other equipment in seating areas that may block potential paths for exit in case of an emergency.

If you are attending a convention or tradeshow, contact the Official Service Contractor who has been selected to manage shipments into and out of the convention center. If you do find it necessary to ship something direct to the Center, please address items using this format:

The Special Events Center
4999 Naaman Forest Blvd.
Garland, TX 75040
FOR: (Name of the Event, followed by the booth number if applicable)
(Name of your Company)
LOCATION: (Arena Event or Conference Center Event)

Yes, they can bring their bicycle to the Special Events Center. However, they are not allowed to ride them inside the building. There are bicycle racks located outside of the main entrance of the building. Bicycle racks are provided to accommodate our visitors. The Special Events Center is not responsible for bikes left unattended.

The Special Events Center has an in-house caterer and a list of approved caterers. If you have a caterer who is interested in becoming an approved caterer, please contact your sales team member.

In general all events should use the loading dock area for event load in; however smaller conference center events may receive permission from their event coordinator to load in from the front of the conference center. This is determined based on the number of other events that are occurring simultaneously and the type of set-up that is being used.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises of the Special Events Center.Guests and set-up crew must leave the property of the Special Events Center to smoke.

Event organizers are permitted to do this; however these personnel will be in addition to the event security and/or medical team that is required and hired by the SEC based on the number of expected guests at your event. The SEC security and medical team ensures the safety not only of participants/competitors but also attendees of the events.