A Community Celebration
Welcome to Hilliard Center
Hilliard Center Launch Party
The City Shines Brighter Than Ever!
Join us as we celebrate the official launch of Hilliard Center with an evening of community, gratitude, and light. This free, public event marks a historic moment for Corpus Christi and honors the people who make our city shine.
Free | Public | Community Celebration
- When
- Monday, February 9, 2026
- 6:30–7:30 PM
- Where
- Hilliard Center Arena, Bayfront Park (Fountain Area / Corner of Shoreline Blvd. & Resaca St.)
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- What
- Evening Event
- Free & Open to the Public
Timeline is approximate and subject to change.
What’s Happening
A night of light, music, and community
This free, public event brings Corpus Christi together for a shared moment of pride, reflection, and excitement for what’s ahead.
Marquee Reveal
Watch as the Hilliard Center marquee is officially illuminated, marking a new chapter for the downtown waterfront.
Illuminated Drone Show
Experience Corpus Christi’s first-ever illuminated drone show, created exclusively for the occasion.
Community Block Party
Keep celebrating downtown with a festive community block party atmosphere and local perks.
What to expect
- Official Hilliard Center marquee lighting
- Corpus Christi’s first-ever illuminated drone show
- Remarks, music and community celebration
- Free, public, and family-friendly atmosphere
Event Timeline
Plan your evening
All times are approximate and subject to change.
6:30 PM
Community gathering opens
Arrive at Bayfront Park and find your spot near the fountains.
6:45 PM
Invocation and remarks
Remarks from city and venue leadership.
6:58 PM
Official marquee lighting
7:00 PM
Illuminated drone show
Drone show over the Hilliard Center Arena.
7:15 PM
Community Block Party
Continue the celebration downtown and enjoy special perks and discounts from local businesses.
Community Block Party
Exclusive offers from local businesses
Show your block party wristband at these participating downtown businesses and enjoy exclusive discounts after the event.
Water Street Oyster Bar
FREE appetizer or sushi rolls
Up to $14 value with the purchase of any entree
El Camino
FREE Churro Donuts dessert
With the purchase of any entree
Executive Surf Club
FREE appetizer
Up to $8 value with the purchase of any entree
Wildflowers
FREE Sidney Hale Fragrance sticks
Open late hours 7–9 PM
Lucy's Snackbar
FREE 3 oz pour
Available from 7:30–10 PM
Railroad Seafood & Brewery
FREE onion ring
Up to $10 value with the purchase of any entree
Brewster's Street Icehouse Downtown
Half off any appetizer
Your choice of appetizer
Mangonadas By MLB On the Bay
FREE 16 oz Agua Fresca
With the purchase of a mangonada (open till 8 PM)
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
Tuesday, February 10 – Sunday, February 15
The museum will be closed to the public after 5:00 PM on Monday, but is happy to support the celebration by extending special offers to attendees throughout the week. Show your event wristband to receive:
- $3 off General Admission
- 10% off purchases in the Ship's Store
- $3 off per person for Lockdown on the LEX Escape Rooms (use promo code HILLIARD when booking online)
Use promo code HILLIARD at checkout
Art Museum of South Texas
Tuesday, February 10 – Saturday, February 14
Show your event wristband at the Art Museum of South Texas and enjoy:
- Free General Admission
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Through February 15, 2026
The museum is excited to support the celebration with an exclusive discount:
- 20% off tickets to the Geek Gala Junior on March 12, 2026 (use promo code HILLIARD)
Texas State Aquarium
All of February 2026
Visit the Texas State Aquarium and enjoy discounted admission all month long:
- $4 off Adult Admission
- $2 off Child Admission
Corpus Christi IceRays
Friday, March 6 & Saturday, March 7, 2026
Cheer on the Corpus Christi IceRays! Show your event wristband and enjoy discounted tickets to upcoming home games:
- Discounted tickets to the Friday, March 6 game
- Discounted tickets to the Saturday, March 7 game
Complete the form to claim your discounted tickets
Location
Bayfront Park (Fountain Area / Corner of Shoreline Blvd. & Resaca St.)
The event will take place outdoors near the fountains at Bayfront Park, with clear sightlines for the marquee lighting and drone show.
Address
Hilliard Center Arena, Bayfront Park (Fountain Area / Corner of Shoreline Blvd. & Resaca St.)
Corpus Christi, Texas
Recommended Parking
- Downtown street parking (first-come, first-served)
- Nearby public parking garages and lots
- Event signage and volunteers will help direct guests
See the event map below for entrances, parking, and the event footprint.
Walking Routes
- Guests should expect a short walk from parking areas to the event site
- Please follow posted signage and staff instructions
Street Closures
- Select streets near Bayfront Park may have temporary closures
- Please allow extra time for arrival
Event map
Open full sizeUse this map for entrances, parking, and the event footprint.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to feel ready for the celebration.
Is this event free?
Is the event family-friendly?
What should I bring?
Are pets allowed?
Is the event ADA accessible?
What happens if weather changes?
Will there be concessions available?
About The Launch
A milestone for Corpus Christi
Hilliard Center represents more than a new name — it’s a continued commitment to community, culture, and connection.
This celebration honors the city we call home and the people who bring it to life every day.
“Corpus Christi is home, and this moment belongs to the community. We are honored to celebrate this milestone together.”
We invite the entire community to be part of this historic evening as we flip the switch, look to the sky, and celebrate the future of Hilliard Center and downtown Corpus Christi, together.
Free | Public | Community Celebration
Hilliard Center to Light the Sky With Marquee Reveal and Corpus Christi’s First-Ever Illuminating Drone Show
Corpus Christi, Texas — February 9, 2026
Corpus Christi will shine brighter than ever as community members, civic leaders, and local partners gather to celebrate the official launch of Hilliard Center with a marquee lighting ceremony, community block party, and the city’s first-ever illuminating drone show.