Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center – Things To Do With Your Team

There are many reasons why the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center is one of the most popular performing arts center in California’s Central Valley. The primary reason is that the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center isn’t just one building. It’s actually an entire complex made up of four different venues. The four venues at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center are the 24,200-square-foot Selland Arena; the 2,353-seat Willian Saroyan Theatre; the 32,000-square-foot Ernest E. Valdez Hall; and the 66,000-square-foot Fresno Convention Center.

Although these four venues are owned and subsidized by the City of Fresno and managed by SMG, one of the world leaders in venue management, marketing, and development, each one boasts its own unique array of features and amenities. This allows the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Complex to host a wide variety of events, including the one that your team will soon be attending. While you’re in Fresno, try to visit some of the interesting attractions and landmarks that are located within walking distance of the complex. There are also plenty of delicious restaurants that can be found nearby, making it easy to grab a quick bite to eat no matter how busy your team’s schedule might be.

Things to Do

Old Fresno Water Tower

What better way for you and your team to get acquainted with the City of Fresno during your time at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center than with a visit to one of the city’s oldest buildings, the Old Fresno Water Tower. Construction of the 109-foot-tall structure was completed in late 1894. Just over a century later in 2001 the tower was renovated and became the visitors’ center for Fresno and Fresno County. In addition to being able to provide you and your team will useful information about the city and the surrounding area, the visitors’ center in the Old Fresno Water Tower also sells a variety of Fresno-themed souvenirs that are a great way to commemorate your team’s visit. 2444 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721

Legion of Valor Museum

The Legion of Valor Museum is the perfect Fresno attraction to visit if you’ve got any budding history buffs on your team. Established in 1991, the museum houses thousands of artifacts donated by Legion of Valor members and other contributors. The museum’s many exhibits tell the story of America’s wars as seem through the eyes of individual soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen.

Artifacts on display at the Legion of Valor Museum include uniforms and equipment from many different eras, official citations, photographs, and more. The museum is open Monday through Saturday. Admission is free to the public, making it a convenient and affordable way for you and your team to learn about United States military history during your visit to the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Complex. 2425 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721

Meux Home Museum

You and your team will feel as if you’ve left present-day Fresno behind and stepped back in time over 100 years into the city’s past the moment you all set foot in the Meux Home Museum. Housed in a two-story, middle-class, Victorian home, the Meux Home Museum authentically recaptures the essence of the bygone Victorian era.

A costumed docent will lead you and your team on a one-hour tour of this restored historic abode during your visit. The tour will take you through the 10 rooms of the house, each one furnished more or less as a Victorian family might have had them. For instance, the kitchen features a pie safe, and in the library you’ll find a portrait depicting the home’s owner, Dr. Thomas Richard Meux, on his way to join the Confederate Army. If you’ll be attending the Meux Home Museum with a group of 10 or more, contact the museum in advance of your visit to determine the availability of a private tour. 1007 R St, Fresno, CA 93721

Chukchansi Park

If America’s pastime happens to be your group’s favorite pastime, you’re all in luck; the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center happens to be located just down the street from Chukchansi Park, a baseball stadium that’s home to the Fresno Grizzlies, a Minor League, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. A gem in the heart of Downtown Fresno, the ballpark has served as a home base for 72 home games every spring. Playing at the highest level of minor league baseball, over 300 Triple-A players farm grown in Fresno have moved on to play for Major League teams nationwide.

Opened in 2002, Chukchansi Park has been recognized as one of the best stadiums in all of Triple-A baseball with its stunning view of the downtown Fresno skyline and dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Mountains. After the game, stop by the Fresno Grizzlies Team Store where there is team gear and memorabilia for everyone in your group. Whether you’re looking for a custom-made T-shirt, jersey, polo, or one of many collectable souvenirs, the Team Store offers something for every and any occasion. 1800 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 93721

Fresno City Hall

Located just minutes away from the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center is Fresno City Hall, one of the city’s most unique landmarks. Although it was built in the 1990s, City Hall looks as is if it could’ve been built many years in the future. Its strikingly futuristic architecture makes it a great place to take a souvenir photo to commemorate your team’s visit to Fresno. In front of the building is a grassy area with plenty of benches that’s perfect for enjoying a quick meal outdoors from one of the many fantastic restaurants nearby or for simply sitting outside with your team as you all soak up some California sun. 2600 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721

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Places to Eat

Kikku Japanese Restaurant

If you and your team are fans of exotic cuisine, you’ll definitely all be fans of Kikku Japanese Restaurant. Kikku Japanese Restaurant has been one of downtown Fresno’s most popular eateries since it opened over a decade ago.

While everything they serve is delicious and packed with flavor, one dish in particular keeps many customers coming through the doors for years: their spicy crispy chicken. Spicy crispy chicken is their signature dish and you’ll be able to tell why as soon as you take your first bite. It features juicy, tender, white meat chicken coated in a spicy, crispy batter served with their famous Kikku brown sauce, fluffy white rice, and a side salad. Other popular dishes include teriyaki chicken, shrimp and veggie tempura, and crispy chicken salad. 2336 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 93721

Joe’s Steakhouse and Grill

Joe’s Steakhouse and Grill is one of the best places in Fresno to get a fantastic ribeye, porterhouse, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, and more cooked exactly to your liking. Steaks aren’t the only thing on the menu at Joe’s Steakhouse and Grill however. They’re also serving up hearty sandwiches piled high with everything from tri-tip to pesto chicken, burgers, soups, salads, pasta dishes, and more.

The menu at Joe’s Steakhouse and Grill also features appetizers that are the perfect start to your group’s meal. These appetizers include Buffalo wings, homemade potato chips, and bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapenos. If you all still have room for dessert, Joe’s Steakhouse and Grill has all of the classics, including a decadent fresh fruit cobbler à la mode along with flan cake and root beer floats. 831 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93721

Shepherd’s Inn

Established at the turn of the century, Shepherd’s Inn has quickly become a favorite restaurant amongst Fresno locals and tourists alike. Their menu features both American and authentic Basque dishes, making Shepherd’s Inn a great place to go whether you’re in the mood to try something new or something tried-and-true.

Familiar American favorites on the menu at Shepherd’s Inn include burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Traditional Basque offerings include dishes like lamb loin chops cooked on an open flame and Basque chicken breast served with sautéed mushrooms, onions, capers, and melted Jack cheese. They also serve a wide variety of appetizers ranging from jalapeno poppers and chicken strips to a cheese plate and bay shrimp cocktail. 935 Santa Fe Ave, Fresno, CA 93721

Mediterranean Grill & Cafe

Mediterranean Grill & Cafe is a full service, casual restaurant located in downtown Fresno just over a 10-minute walk from the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center. They are known for their traditional Mediterranean dishes that are as authentic as they are flavorful, paired with friendly and efficient service. Everything served at Mediterranean Grill & Cafe is made with the freshest of ingredients prepared daily.

Start your meal off right with fabulous appetizers like falafel, hummus, and stuffed grape leaves. For your main course choose from hearty dishes like kebobs, shawarma, and Lebanese chicken and rice topped with garlic sauce; or lighter fare such as Mediterranean salads and a vegetarian plate featuring a delicious assortment of stuffed grape leaves, falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, pasta, tabouli, and salad. 1031 U St, Fresno, CA 93721

Fresno might not be as popular of a travel destination as other Californian cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, but you and your team are still in store for a fantastic trip during your visit to the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center. Because of the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center’s central location in Fresno’s bustling downtown area, you and your team will be just minutes away from some of the city’s most popular landmarks, attractions, and restaurants. On top of it all, you’ll get to enjoy picture-perfect, sunny California weather practically every day.