Hilliard Center Launch Party

The official launch of Hilliard Center was more than just a renaming celebration — it was a community-wide event that brought Corpus Christi together for an evening centered on pride, culture, and the future of the downtown waterfront. Hosted at Bayfront Park near the Hilliard Center Arena, the free public event welcomed residents, families, local leaders, and businesses for a night designed to celebrate the city itself.

The evening featured the official marquee lighting of Hilliard Center, symbolizing a new chapter for the venue and the surrounding downtown district. As the lights came on, attendees experienced Corpus Christi’s first-ever illuminated drone show, creating a visual celebration across the waterfront skyline. The event also included live remarks from community and venue leadership, music, and a large community gathering atmosphere intended to unite residents around the city’s growth and momentum.

Beyond the main ceremony, the launch party extended into downtown Corpus Christi through a community block party. Attendees received wristbands connected to exclusive offers and discounts from local restaurants, entertainment venues, museums, and attractions. Businesses throughout downtown participated in the celebration, encouraging guests to continue supporting the local community after the drone show concluded.

See Coverage from the event

Continue Reading Read Less

Voices at the Podium

Our Launch Party Speakers

From elected officials to community champions, the launch party brought together a remarkable group of voices — all united around the Hilliard Center's mission.

Bob Hilliard

Founding Partner, Hilliard Law

This center is not a building — it is a promise to every family in this city that justice, community, and opportunity have a home here.

Representative Todd Hunter

Texas State Representative, District 32

I've practiced law in Corpus Christi since 1978. Like many lawyers in this crowd, I've watched this city grow, change, and evolve. And I've also seen firsthand how important it is when members of the legal community choose to invest not just in their practice, but in the place they call home. Hilliard Law is a great example of that.

Mayor Paulette Guajardo

Mayor, City of Corpus Christi

For decades, the Hilliard family and Hilliard Law have played a meaningful role in shaping our city. Not just through their professional work, but through their commitment to service, generosity, and community involvement.

Peter Zanoni

City Manager, City of Corpus Christi

Hilliard Center is more than a venue. It's a place of connection, activity, and renewed excitement for Corpus Christi. And that doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of partners like the Hilliard family and Hilliard Law, who have been involved from the very start.

Councilman Everett Roy

Corpus Christi City Council

Hilliard Center is a cornerstone for our community. It's where families gather, where fans cheer, where concerts light up the night, and where memories are made for people across Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

Dan Griffis

President, Global Partnerships, Oak View Group

From the very beginning, the Hilliards made it clear that this was about much more than placing a name on a building. They wanted to be actively involved in shaping the future of this venue and ensuring it serves the community in meaningful ways.

First in Corpus Christi History

The Night the Sky Came Alive

As the sun set over Corpus Christi Bay, 200 synchronized drones painted the night sky in a display that had never been seen in the city's history — the first-ever drone light show to grace the Sparkling City by the Sea.

200 drones, perfectly synchronized

Choreographed to music, spelling out shapes above the Corpus Christi skyline
A Corpus Christi first

No drone show of this scale had ever been staged in the city before this night
Full aerial footage captured

Drone show video available — watch the full display in the player

Drone show footage

Aerial still of the Hilliard Center drone light show

A BROADER VISION

The launch also emphasized Hilliard Center’s broader vision as a hub for connection, entertainment, and community engagement. According to event materials, the celebration was designed to honor “the people who make the city shine” while reinforcing a commitment to the future of Corpus Christi’s waterfront and downtown experience.

At its core, the Hilliard Launch Party served as both a public celebration and a statement about the future of the city — bringing together residents, local businesses, civic leadership, and visitors for a night focused on community, visibility, and shared momentum for Corpus Christi.