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Von Braun Center’s North Hall gets new name
The Von Braun Center has changed the name of its North Hall to honor the Saturn space exploration project — renaming it the Saturn Ball Room.
The new name was chosen to reflect the rich history Huntsville has with the country’s space missions.
Hello, Saturn Ball Room
The Von Braun Center is home to eight venues including: Propst Arena, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Playhouse, Mars Music Hall, Rhythm on Monroe, South Hall, East Hall and the newly named Saturn Ballroom.
The VBC’s North Hall originally opened in December of 1987 with a “Premier for the Arts” black-tie gala. The total project, which added around 100,000 square feet to the facility, cost $8 million.
Before opening in 1987, management projected 150 occupancy dates annually within the space; in current times, ballroom occupancy has increased by more than 10 percent. Rental demand is consistently increasing in tandem with Huntsville’s growth and national popularity.
“North Hall is one of the most-rented venues within the VBC. The layout of three separate ballrooms downstairs that can be opened into one large space, paired with multiple breakout salons on the mezzanine level have made this an ideal space for events ranging from elegant weddings and galas to large conferences, small meetings and everything in-between.”
Steve Maples, VBC executive director
Renovations at the Von Braun Center
After receiving city approval in 2021, the ballroom renovation project began in May 2022 and is projected to be complete by the end of 2023 with a total project cost of $12.5 million.
Renovations include upgraded wall coverings, flooring, a color-changing LED lighting system, upgraded audio system and more. Modified areas include the ballroom, main entrance lobby, public corridors, restrooms, meeting rooms, and other auxiliary spaces. Additionally, the building exterior is receiving a new roof system, exterior paint, new signage, and a decorative LED lighting system
“With Huntsville consistently landing in top spots on national rankings, including the No. 1 Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report, people and businesses are relocating to the area in droves and all eyes are on our fantastic city. We take our role at the VBC as a large factor for Huntsville’s quality of life very seriously and will continue to always make sure we’re delivering the highest-quality product in the nicest facility that we can.”
Steve Maples, VBC executive director
When last year’s fiscal year ended, the VBC had hosted over 490 events with an estimated economic impact of over $80 million between October 2021 to September 2022.
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