Events

THE FANTAIL

Think of the fantail as IOWA’s back porch: a large open space with 360-degree views of the ship, Vincent Thomas Bridge, LA Harbor, Palos Verdes, and San Pedro. Featuring full tent coverage, the fantail is the most popular venue on the ship and one of the more unique outdoor venues in the city.

It offers great flexibility and easy access from the dock. There is room for a band or DJ, a dance floor, and plenty of capacity for seating and food service on the expansive deck.

The lights of the city and cooler night air make this a great choice as a wedding venue or one of the most unforgettable prom locations Los Angeles has to offer.

Options available for this space:

• Full tent covering (60 x 50)
• Lighting
• Stage
• Basic audio
• Room for up to 26 tables with 260 white folding chairs
• LED wall
• Heaters
• Cocktail tables
• Podium

Additional enhancements and variations are possible. Please contact our team for details.

WARDROOM

The most formal setting for crew dining, the Wardroom was where generations of junior officers were served by white-clad orderlies.

Your special event guests will long remember the spacious and open atmosphere of IOWA’s Wardroom. Easy sightlines accommodate speaking programs and award presentations against the backdrop of nautical decorations and large portholes with heavy brass fittings.

The Wardroom features a fixed seating arrangement, a projector and screen located for easy visibility, and basic audio. Additional TVs can be added for a fee.

THE CAPTAIN’S CABIN

Battleship IOWA’s most exclusive special event venue served as the in-port Captain’s Cabin for the ship’s three tours of duty.

The historical significance of this amazing space will leave a deep impression on those who attend your event. The cabin is a striking artifact of IOWA’s unique role in American history.

This venue immediately adjoins the president’s berthing space. Your guests will sip their cocktails at the table where FDR approved D-Day plans and relax in the lounge space where the president and his five-star military chiefs watched movies after dining. The Captain’s Cabin directly connects your special event guests with some of America’s most influential figures.

This space comes with fixed seating arrangement and couches in a lounge area. For an additional fee, you can add basic audio and television.

THE VERANDAS – The Admiral’s Veranda and Captain’s Veranda

Located on the first levels above our main deck, these verandas, one on port and one on starboard, were the spots from which FDR and his War Cabinet took in the sea air while sailing to the Tehran Conference in 1943. They feature wooden deck planks, porthole exterior backdrops for a nautical theme, and railings overlooking IOWA’s massive 16″ guns.

This historic area provides an exclusive “upper deck” site – a comfortable, yet stately setting for midsize to smaller groups. The stunning views of the harbor are a perfect backdrop to enhance the atmosphere for an elegant, special night.

THE BOW or “FOC’S’LE”

Since before the days of Admiral Nelson’s Royal Navy gunboats, the fo’c’s’le or forecastle, pronounced “fohk-suhl,” has been the area was where the ship’s company would muster – and in early times, where the crew would bunk down at sea.

Aboard IOWA, the foc’s’le is an open-air venue unique among event spaces. Anchor chains and windlasses line the forward deck, and the turrets of her mighty main guns loom behind you. The forward decks slope gracefully downward from the bow, affording guests their best view of her imposing superstructure.

Mid-size receptions are ideal in this extraordinary, visually striking venue.

VICKY’S WATERFRONT

Featuring views of L.A. main channel and the Vincent Thomas Bridge, this versatile area can go formal or casual. 

With enough room for a quartet or just speakers for music, the ambiance under the bistro lights is incomparable. Hold your whole event here or just start it with a cool cocktail hour. Either way, the visuals will make your event unforgettable.

ON DECK OPTIONS

There are a variety of areas on deck that are fantastic spots to hold smaller parties, ceremonies, and gatherings. Featuring views of the water, the busiest harbor in North America, and the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge, these outdoor venues are perfect for memorable events in a cool outdoor environment. (The photo ops are pretty impressive, too.)

Ask about locations near the fantail or the bow. Our team will help you set up something truly special.

CPO LOUNGE & MESS

The Chief Petty Officer (CPO) occupies a storied and highly-respected position in Navy hierarchy and custom. These natural leaders of the enlisted crew were salty, experienced, and knowledgeable.

Veterans and guests of military-themed events will feel right at home – even though this space was hallowed and off limits to all but the tight fraternity of Navy Chiefs.

Your guests will settle comfortably in this “club” atmosphere, perfect for small to mid-size gatherings.

CREW’S MESS DECK

Your special event guest can “grab some chow” at the same tables as did generations of Battleship IOWA sailors! This ruggedly attractive venue is evocative of chowtime for IOWA shipmates, after-hours “scuttlebutt,” or poker games.

Dozens of tables and generous interior space gives your special event flexibility for casual dining, breakout groups, and fun gathering spots. Adjoining kitchen and cafeteria-style serving lines adds convenience for your catered event.

This space comes with a fixed seating arrangements and is best for that “real Navy feel.”

IOWA’S DOCKSIDE PLAZA

Battleship IOWA’s starboard profile raises a dramatic backdrop for this outdoor location. With 12,500 square feet of flat space to enjoy, your guests will relax in this expansive, casual setting that is ideal for barbeques, small festivals, and other midsize to large group gatherings.

Dockside events are perfect for family-friendly events, and the sunsets over Palos Verdes are striking!