Panhandle Plains
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A central location in the Texas Panhandle, good air travel connectivity to major cities, abundant accommodations, affordability, and an abundance of family-friendly activities help make Amarillo a prime spot for meetings and events, according to Visit Amarillo.
After hours or for group excursions, attendees might enjoy such attractions as the famous Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, some of which also host events. Hodgetown Stadium, home to the Amarillo Sod Poodles, has 15 hospitality options to accommodate 200 people; the Mack Dick Pavilion at Palo Duro Canyon State Park can host events for 169 people; and Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery, home to the 72-ounce steak-eating contests, has a 7,000-square-foot beer garden.
Amarillo Civic Center Complex, located in downtown, has more than 410,000 square feet of versatile space for a variety of events. It includes a 2,300-seat theater, a coliseum with 4,870 permanent seats, a 24,565-square-foot exhibit hall, and additional event rooms. The 1,300-seat Carol Bush Emeny Performance Hall is at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, across the street from the civic center complex. Adjacent to Globe-News Center, Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown has 226 guest rooms and 17,877 square feet of event space, including a ballroom seating 850 for banquets.
Other hotels with function space include The Barfield, Autograph Collection, a boutique hotel with 112 guest rooms and 2,500 square feet of event space, including a ballroom with a capacity of 120 for receptions; the 128-room Four Points by Sheraton Amarillo Central, with 2,400 square feet of event space; the 83-room Comfort Suites Western Plaza, with banquet seating for 495; the 138-room Ashmore Inn & Suites, with a 3,360-square-foot ballroom seating 200 theater style; the 90-room Hilton Garden Inn Amarillo, with 3,240 square feet of function space and a capacity of 200 for banquets; and the 151-room Holiday Inn Amarillo West Medical Center, with 3,900 square feet of function space. The city has 7,300 guest rooms. A new offsite venue is The Pavilion at Santa Fe Depot, which can accommodate 300 guests for corporate events and gatherings.
