Beyond the Bar: A Smarter Way to Host Your Next Company Happy Hour
Let’s be real—most company happy hours follow the same pattern: you book a bar, hope there’s enough space, and end up shouting over music while everyone awkwardly clutches a drink. It works... until it doesn’t. At Centre Court Productions, we’ve created a space where teams can actually relax, connect, and enjoy themselves—without the limitations of a typical restaurant or bar. Whether you're planning a client mixer, team appreciation night, or a casual post-work hang, here's why CCP is the better alternative—and how we help you build a better experience.
💡 Space Designed for Interaction
Why it matters: Real connection doesn’t happen when everyone’s stuck at a table.
What you get at CCP:
2,500 square feet of open space
Full basketball/pickleball court
Ping pong and golf simulator
Second-floor loft for conversation or VIP areas
Flexible lounge seating and standing space
Versus a bar:
Tight quarters, limited movement
Difficult to engage with more than a few people
No room for team-building or optional activities
🍹 BYOB-Friendly
Why it matters: We keep your event flexible and cost-effective—but also professional.
Centre Court Productions is a BYOB-only venue, which means you're free to bring your own beer, wine, spirits, or pre-batched cocktails. To keep things smooth and safe, a licensed bartender is required for any event serving alcohol.
You're welcome to bring your own licensed bartender or choose one from our trusted vendor list. We provide the setup essentials—ice, bar tools, and clean-up support—so your bar runs like clockwork.
Pro Tip:
Keep your drink menu simple—3 to 5 options is the sweet spot. And don’t forget to ask us about our soft drink & mixer package to keep your bar fully stocked. Want more tips? Check out our BYOB Planning Guide for help calculating how much to buy.
🍽️ Food Options That Fit Your Team
Why it matters: Great food sets the tone—and you shouldn’t be limited to one menu.
At Centre Court Productions, you’re free to bring in your favorite caterer or choose from a list of local vendors we know and trust. Whether you’re planning something casual or elevated, we’ll help coordinate timing, access, and layout.
Popular food vendor options include:
Food trucks (tacos, BBQ, sliders, pizza)
Themed stations (nacho bar, sushi rolls, build-your-own bowls)
Sweet carts (donuts, ice cream, cookie bars)
Grazing tables & charcuterie displays
Traditional catering from restaurants or private chefs
We offer garage access for trucks, plenty of staging space, and support with setup and breakdown.
Pro Tip: Mixing a savory vendor with a separate dessert or snack option adds variety and keeps guests engaged longer. Let us help you build a well-paced food experience that matches your event vibe.
📽️ Built-in A/V for Company Highlights
Why it matters: You want your brand and your people to be seen.
We provide:
150" LED video wall + 4 additional TVs
Surround sound system with easy plug-in access
Custom lighting settings
Great for company shoutouts, slideshows, welcome messages, or just playing music
Bars rarely provide:
Access to screens or sound
The ability to personalize your experience
Tech support or flexibility for team moments
⏱️ Extra Time Built In
Why it matters: The hour before and after your event shouldn’t cost extra.
What you get:
1-hour setup window
1-hour breakdown buffer
Assistance from our team for staging, tech, and coordination
Smooth experience from start to finish
What most bars offer:
Strict start/end times
No setup flexibility
You're out when your window ends—no exceptions
Final Takeaway
Bars and restaurants serve a purpose—but when you're looking to create an experience that actually fits your team, you need more space, more flexibility, and more control.
Centre Court Productions offers all of that and more. We give you the freedom to customize your event without the usual limitations. And your team will notice the difference.
📝 Author Note:
Centre Court Productions is a BYOB-only, activity-focused event space in Chicago’s West Loop. We specialize in hosting corporate events, team happy hours, and social gatherings that don’t feel one-size-fits-all.
