The Challenger Space Center is one of Arizona’s most unique venues. Part museum, part activity center, the three-story, 23,000 sq. ft. facility is utilized for school field trips, corporate team building events, holiday parties, weddings, anniversaries and just about any special occasion you can dream up.
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, your support of our center helps us to offer scholarships to the many families, schools and church groups who may not have the resources to attend one of our programs. A portion of our corporate rental fees go toward support of this worthwhile program.
Please call 623-322-2006 today to discuss your private or public rental needs!
The following is the list of room options for you to consider.
Steel Foundation Rotunda: Our Steel Foundation Rotunda can comfortably fit up to 200 people in a theatre style setting. It is equipped with a wireless microphone and also a projector system with a retractable screen for PowerPoint presentations. The rotunda measure 58 ft x 40 ft and is more than 2300 sq. ft. The perimeter of the rotunda features a four-story mural called “Tour of the Universe” by world-renowned space artist Robert McCall. McCall’s artwork celebrates America’s leadership in space exploration, and another mural can be seen at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Rental on the rotunda starts at $250 per hour, and includes the outside rotunda patio which is an additional 1950 sq. ft.
Break Out Rooms: We have four break out rooms downstairs next to the rotunda: Training Rooms A & B, and the Peoria and Sparky Rooms. All are equipped with internet capabilities, and have marker boards on each end for presentations and for taking notes.
Training Rooms A & B are both 34 ft x 28 ft and can seat 75 comfortably, or if the center wall is retracted, the Training Room can be set up to one larger room that can hold 150 people. They rent for each room A & B $100 each per hour.
The Peoria Room is a more intimate setting 420 sq ft. and can hold a maximum of 20 people. Perfect for a board meeting, the room also has Internet capabilities and a white board on one side. The Peoria Room fee is $75 per hour.
The Sparky Room is somewhat larger (600 sq. ft.) and can accommodate up to 28 people. It rents for $75 per hour and can be set up in any style you choose.
Main Floor Theater Our theater room is approximately 1154 sq. ft., and includes a rear-screen projection TV with Internet capability. This attractive room can seat up to 90 people and is perfect for corporate meetings and other special events where audio/visual components are needed. The Theater rents out for $150 per hour.
Cosmic Cafeteria: Perfect for a quick bite to eat or to purchase beverages, our cafeteria has six tables and can accommodate up to 50 people at a time. Vending machines are available or you can bring in your own light snacks and beverages. It rents for $50 per hour.
Rooftop Observation Deck Upstairs on level three, we have our exclusive stargazing deck, where up to 100 people can enjoy the night sky. Telescopes not included. It rents for $100 per hour.
Building Buy Out: For large corporate events, a better option may be just to rent the entire facility for the day. We can then close the building to the public on your special day and can dedicate our staff to a successful endeavor. The rate for the entire building based on a six hour time frame (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is $6000.* Additional hours are available at an hourly rate of $1500 per hour.
EVENING HOURS: We are available for Evening hours (for homecomings, proms and weddings) at a rate of $6000* for the evening, (four hour block). Additional hours are available at $1500 per hour.
Please note: Mission control room and International Space Station rooms are not included in any private or public building rental. Please contact the corporate sales department for more information.
Clean Up Fee. As of 12/1/2009, the Challenger Space Center will impose a $500 clean up fee for all building buy outs. Please contact the Corporate Sales Department to discuss the fees assessed.
Insurance Requirement: All public and private rentals will need to furnish a insurance policy, indemnifying the Challenger Space Center from any and all liabilities occurring from rentals of the facility. Please contact the Corporate Office at 623-322-2006 to discuss insurance requirements.
For more information, please send an email to Tim Harris or call 623-322-2006.
FAQS Regarding Holding Events at The Challenger Space Center
What type of events can be held?
Virtually any corporate or private event (reception, wedding, birthday, anniversary) can be held at The Challenger Space Center. Since opening in 2000, the CSC has hosted numerous events from breakfast meetings to weddings, private birthday parties to proms. The CSC is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The CSC staff or Executive Director reserves the right to deny any rental opportunity the management deems not appropriate for an educational institution. No political or fundraising events are allowed at CSC. Rentals involving the selling of products or services must be approved by the CSC management prior to the commencement of any rental contract.
What are the set-up and tear-down requirements at the Challenger Space Center?
Depending on the event, the CSC is available at least two-hours before the event for set-up. Additional set-up time can be arrange only by agreement from the CSC Executive Director, and must be made in writing at least two weeks prior to the date of event. Tear-down must commence immediately following the event, and may not take more than two hours to complete. The client must arrange for all set-up and tear-down activities. Any deviation from this requirement must be agreed in writing by the Executive Director of the Challenger Space Center.
Can I bring in my own food?
Yes. The flexibility of the CSC offers private parties the capability of bringing in their own food outside of catering services. Please discuss this arrangement with a CSC event planner.
Can I bring in my own alcohol?
No. Any alcohol that is to be served at the Challenger Space Center must be distributed by a certified catering company with a current liquor license in good standing held in the State of Arizona. Your catering representative can suggest approved vendors for this service. Non-alcoholic beverages, (juices, soda, tea, or water) is permissible. No red or grape juices are allowed.
Does CSC provide tables and chairs?
The CSC has a number of chairs and tables for your use on a first-come-first serve basis. All other tables, chairs, and other necessary items for your event will be the responsibility of the renter.
Does the CSC require the use of specific vendors for floral or entertainment?
No. Virtually any floral, entertainment, party management, decoration company is welcome to service your event. A complete vendor list is to be provided to the CSC event coordinator at least two weeks before the event. All vendors must adhere to all rules regarding the set-up and tear-down for the event.
Are dressing rooms available for certain events?
When it is deemed necessary, the CSC will provide dressing rooms for specific events on an availability basis. Discuss your dressing room needs with your CSC event organizer.
Are rehearsals available before the event?
Rehearsal times and spaces are not guaranteed and will be provided on an availability basis. When available these services will be provided on an as-needed basis. The CSC management reserves the right to restrict rehearsals to a specific time conducive to the center’s public programs.
How do I pay for the rental facility?
Payment for rental facilities is to be made prior to the event. A 50% deposit is required upon reservation with the balance due at least two weeks prior to the event. The CSC can accept checks, money orders, or VISA, MC, AMEX and Discover cards. Any deviation from this policy must be agreed in writing upon contract approval.
Is security needed for my event?
For larger events, the CSC does require a detailed security plan that MUST include using off-duty police officers from surrounding communities. Please consult with the CSC Corporate Sales Department for more information and requirements.
Why am I paying a cleaning fee?
With all rental agreements, a $200 clean-up fee will be assessed in order that the building and any meeting rooms, restrooms and kitchen facilities can be returned to pristine order necessary for opening to the public. Additionally, a damage deposit may be required for certain rentals. Any deviation from this policy must be approved by the Executive Director of the Challenger Space Center.
Do I need to provide insurance?
With all government, private and corporate rentals, User must provide single-limit public liability insurance under which CSC IS NAMED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000), covering bodily injury, death and property damage. The insurance policy must be effective during all times the Facility is used in any manner by User. User must provide a copy of a certificate of insurance to CSC no later than two weeks before the date of the Event. IF CSC DOES NOT RECEIVE THE CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE BY TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE EVENT, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE CANCELED AND USER WILL BE LIABLE FOR CANELLATION CHARGES. A governmental entity may satisfy these requirements by providing CSC with evidence of equal coverage under a statutory, funded self-insurance program.
What happens if I have to cancel?
In accordance with your agreement, the CSC’s cancellation policy is as follows: Client has up to 48 hours before event to cancel. In the event that this Agreement is canceled by User, or for User’s failure to provide the required Certificate of Insurance or pay the Balance of the Total Amount Payable when due, CSC will experience significant monetary losses that will be difficult to calculate due to the uncertainty and cost of obtaining replacement business. Therefore, in such circumstances, User agrees and will be obligated to pay CSC the following cancellation charges. One month or less, 75% of the total amount payable. One month and one day up to five months, 50% of total amount payable. Five and one day or more months, 25% of total payable amount. CSC MAY AT IS OWN DISCRETION CANCEL AN AGREEMENT IF USER FAILS TO PAY THE BALANCE OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
For more information, contact the Corporate Sales Department at 623-322-2006.