Host An Event Aboard Battleship IOWA
Battleship USS IOWA Museum is a waterfront event venue at the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro – near Long Beach). We’re ready to host you and your guests for your special event, meeting, picnic, party or outing. The ship creates a memorable experiences: celebrate on her teak decks, in the quiet shade of her large-capacity fantail, or in more intimate interior locations, including our verandas and indoor officers’ space.
Special Events
Weddings & Receptions
Corporate Events & Meetings
Family & Class Reunions
Team & Leadership Building
Birthdays & Bar Mitzvahs
Private & Company Picnics
Festivals & Concerts
Battleship IOWA Welcomes You Aboard
In 2012, Battleship USS IOWA arrived at the Los Angeles Waterfront and became a vital touchstone of Los Angeles and Long Beach naval maritime history. Now, you and your special event guests can create your own memories aboard this proud and historic naval warship.
Battleship USS IOWA is a monument to American ingenuity and engineering innovation, and her crew welcomes you and your guests to celebrate upon her teak decks, whether in the quiet shade of her officers’ verandas, her stately officers’ spaces, or on the large-capacity covered fantail. Groups of all sizes are easily accommodated onboard Battleship IOWA, and your guests will long savor their memories and experiences they create with you aboard the Battleship of Presidents.
Vision: The American Spirit
Battleship IOWA is operated by the Pacific Battleship Center, an organization whose vision is to “Celebrate the American Spirit by Connecting the Past with the Future.”
When you host an event on IOWA, you help realize this vision by bringing the iconic ship to life, as your guests are treated to a unique venue in the heart of the Los Angeles Waterfront.
Proceeds earned from events held aboard IOWA are invested by the Pacific Battleship Center in the restoration and preservation of the ship’s proud heritage.
The LA Waterfront
Global and Regional Crossroads
Standing guard along Berth 87, IOWA evokes the proud naval and maritime heritage of the historic Los Angeles Waterfront. From 1919 to 1940, the San Pedro breakwater was home port to the U.S. Battleship fleet along with its dozens of cruisers, destroyers and support craft. Today, IOWA is moored astride the nation’s busiest seaport. Pleasure boat marinas dot the water front; your guests will watch as sleek sailing craft and massive cargo carriers slip through the channel under the soaring towers of the Vincent J. Thomas Bridge.
Barely a mile from the southern terminus of the 110 Freeway, and just off the 710/405 Interchange, Battleship IOWA is easily reached by freeway from the San Fernando Valley, Westside Los Angeles, South Bay, Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County. Neighboring convention centers and family attractions make IOWA convenient to any Southern California vacation destination or business gathering.
Special Locations For Your Special Event
INTIMATE • EVOCATIVE • MEMORABLE
Your guests will enjoy the gentle seaport climate that caresses outdoor special event locations aboard Battleship IOWA. Concerts, weddings, military ceremonies and corporate functions are seamlessly hosted at the ship.
From the fantail views of the LA Harbor Main Channel to the sweeping vistas of Palos Verdes and Long Beach from her upper deck verandas, IOWA’s special event venues are breathtaking. Indoor settings evoke naval history and understated maritime grace: Officers’ Wardrooms, In-Port Captain’s Cabin, and other unique surroundings will leave your guests buzzing with excitement and wonder. Gatherings aboard Battleship IOWA feature a backdrop of quiet strength with a uniquely American accent: born of war, witness to war’s end, the ship is at once a monument to both the nation’s commitment to victory and its devotion to peace.
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. The fantail is the most popular event venue, offering great flexibility and easy access from the dock. Bands, dance floors, buffets and bars are comfortably situated on the expansive deck.
The fantail includes a full tent covering, lighting, stage, basic audio, up to twenty-four (24) 72″ round tables, and up to 300 white folding chairs in the rental fee. For an additional fee we have an LED wall, four (4) satellite TVs, heaters, cocktail tables, and a podium available.
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 nautical backdrop of large portholes with heavy brass fittings.
The Wardroom has a fixed seating arrangement, projector, screen, and basic audio. Additional TVs can be added for a fee.
FDR 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.
FDR’s Cabin overwhelms visitors with its historical significance. 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 FDR 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.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF’S VERANDA
FDR and his War Cabinet took in the sea air from this open venue while sailing to the Tehran Conference in 1943. The Commander-in-Chief’s Veranda features teak deck planks, porthole exterior backdrops and railings overlooking IOWA’s massive 16″ guns. The historic venue provides an exclusive “upper deck” site – a comfortable, yet stately setting for midsize to smaller groups.
IOWA’S DOCKSIDE PLAZA
The Battleship IOWA starboard profile raises a dramatic backdrop for the outdoor venue. Your guests will relax in an 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!
The FOC’S’LE
Pronounced “fohk-suhl,” since before the days of Admiral Nelson’s Royal Navy gunboats, 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 special event venue immersed in a unique maritime setting. Anchor chains and windlasses line the teak forward deck, shaded by the turrets of her mighty main guns. The forward decks slope gracefully downward from the bow, affording special event guests their best view of her imposing superstructure.
Mid-size and larger receptions are ideal on this unique, visually striking venue.
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 DECKS
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 intimate groups.
SPECIAL OPTIONS FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT
IN-HOUSE RENTALS AVAILABLE
- 72″ round tables.
- Cocktail tables.
- Folding chairs.
- Folding chair covers.
- Expanded stage.
- Expanded Audio / Visual including a TV wall.
- Media multi-box.
CATERING
Our onboard Vicky’s Cafe provides catering options for small to mid level events including breakfast, lunch, reception, and dinner. We also have our beer & wine license, allowing us to provide beverage service for your event.
Download the Vicky’s Cafe catering menu.
Want to bring on your own caterer? That is also an option. Reach out to our team to ask about the different options available.
Battleship IOWA is an exclusive Pepsi property for soft drinks.
VIP Tours
There are many areas of Battleship IOWA not yet open to public tours. Among these are engineering spaces, senior officer’s wardrooms, sick bay and the post office. Special VIP tours can be arranged for your special event guests. Please inform IOWA in advance if you desire a VIP tour.
Exclusive Tour Guides
Bring Battleship IOWA alive for your special event guest by reserving an Exclusive Tour Guide. Many of IOWA’s Tour Guides are US Navy veterans, and their personal insights will create a unique experience for your guests.
Ship’s Store
When Battleship IOWA was an active Navy vessel, this was the spot for sailors to buy official IOWA stationery for letters home, IOWA ball caps, and new dungarees. Today’s IOWA ship store is an exciting source for all things IOWA! You can arrange a gift package for your special guest from among the many affordable sourvenirs stocked in the ship’s store. With advance notice, IOWA will extend the store hours for your evening special event guests.
CONTACT Battleship IOWA
For more information on how to reserve Battleship IOWA for your special event, please contact events@labattleship.com or click here and fill out the form.
BATTLESHIP IOWA
Pacific Battleship Center
250 South Harbor Blvd
San Pedro, CA 90731
877.446.9261