Century Center — Attraction in South Bend

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ATA-Accessible Convention Center for a Taekwondo Tournament: Full Description

The convention center is a state-of-the-art, American Taekwondo Association (ATA)-accessible facility specifically chosen for its blend of modern amenities, safety features, and ease of access for athletes, coaches, judges, and spectators alike. The design and layout prioritize inclusion, comfort, and a professional environment to elevate the tournament experience.

Location and Access: • Centrally located with direct access to major highways, public transportation, and nearby hotels. • The center features clearly marked entrances with curb cuts, wide automatic doors, and sheltered drop-off areas. • Dedicated bus and van parking zones accommodate team travel needs. • A detailed site map and visible directional signage are provided in both print and digital formats for easy navigation.

Facility Layout: • 200,000+ square feet of open, modular space with a flat, non-slip floor surface ideal for mat placement. • Clear, wide concourses (minimum 8 feet) around competition rings, allowing easy flow of participants, wheelchairs, judges, and medical personnel. • Minimum of 6 full-size regulation rings (each ring approx. 8m x 8m) with safety buffer zones between each, in compliance with ATA standards. • Elevated spectator seating with reserved accessible seating areas on the ground floor for individuals with disabilities and their companions.

Athlete and Coach Amenities: • Separate, secure warm-up areas equipped with matted flooring for stretching and last-minute practice. • Spacious, private locker rooms with accessible changing benches, lockers at multiple heights, ADA-compliant showers, and family changing rooms for younger competitors. • Hydration stations located within 50 feet of every warm-up and ring area.

Accessibility Features: • Entire facility is ADA-compliant, including competition areas, seating, restrooms, concessions, and administrative spaces. • All stages (e.g., for opening ceremonies, belt presentations) have ramps with proper incline and handrails. • Assistive listening devices available at registration for announcements and ceremony audio. • Braille and tactile signage throughout the building. • Staff and volunteers trained on accessibility needs and appropriate assistance protocols.

Medical and Safety Services: • Certified medical team on-site with a fully equipped First Aid center. • AED devices stationed throughout the venue. • Clearly marked emergency exits with evacuation procedures for individuals with disabilities. • Separate isolation area available for athletes requiring private medical attention.

Technology and Communications: • Large video screens broadcasting live scoring and brackets, ensuring visibility from all seating sections. • Free Wi-Fi access for attendees, competitors, and vendors. • Mobile event app with real-time updates, ring assignments, match calls, and venue maps. • Announcements made visually and audibly for important tournament notifications.

Vendor and Concessions Area: • Vendor booths offering gear, apparel, and tournament memorabilia spaced widely for accessible browsing. • Concessions with counters at multiple heights for service ease. • Food options accommodate common dietary needs (gluten-free, allergen-free, etc.), with clear labeling.

Additional Considerations: • VIP lounge for Masters and higher-ranking instructors, with easy access pathways from competition and awards areas. • A designated quiet room or sensory room for athletes and attendees needing a break from high stimulation environments. • Prayer and meditation spaces available, accommodating diverse...

This review is based on our Wedding we held at the Century Center in October 2011:

I'm finally getting myself together to do our wedding vendor reviews and hope that future brides find these helpful. South Bend is my hometown, and while I'm very familiar with the town, it would still prove to be a challenge as being an out of town bride. We were torn between The Palais Royale and The Century Center. We ultimately went with the Century Center (The Grand Hall) as it's more of a clean slate for design.

Working with the staff at the Century Center was pleasant. We worked with them for both our rehearsal dinner (College Football Hall of Fame) and our wedding reception. First, securing our contract for The CC with Julie N. was clean and effortless. We had great pleasure in working with Melanie H. of catering- she and the Chef Peters were receptive and accommodating to my and my husband's foodie demands. We provided them with suggestions, ideas, and menus. In turn, they served fantastic food, which our guests are still raving about.

We worked with Alex B., the event manager for the layout and set up details. Our initial experience was great, until a major detail was overlooked- the sound system for our ceremony. This was handled by The CC staff at the most inopportune and inappropriate time- in the middle of the rehearsal dinner. Imagine entertaining your guests at your rehearsal dinner, then being pulled aside to handle a $660 charge. Not favorable by any means.

In summary, our overall experience was good. Getting married in South Bend, with a wedding of 175+, you have very few options. I would recommend the Century Center to future brides. They do need to update their website and pictures. I personally think the venue is much better in person, than what they have on the website. I was mildly embarrassed to show friends the website before...

4 Stars because it's the best event center we have but South Bend could use a larger venue yet - Bernie overfilled it, Trump overfilled it, high school graduations fit - barely.

They are always pleasant experiences because the building is up kept and the experiences are ones which people desire to gather in those numbers for; it just seems as though there is a requirement for a slightly larger square footage.

Besides that - wonderful building, wonderful venue. Looking at it from across the river is appealing. They also have a great view across the river from the buildings interior. I really like their 'island park' they do concerts and events from. Really cool feature I doubt other cities have access to. Just wish they had means to expand - maybe they do unbeknownst to me, only...