OC EVENT POLICIES AND INFORMATION GUIDE
The Keith Bell Opportunity Central
680 Innovation Blvd. Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 469-762-4375
The Keith Bell Opportunity Central - or The OC - is a state of the art facility within Forney ISD combining event spaces, retail and service business partners, and classroom space for Forney ISD’s career and technical education programs as well as community continuing education opportunities.
The OC campus spans 3-stories and an impressive 350,000 square feet surrounded by beautiful native landscaping and 2,465 on-site parking spots. Each space was thoughtfully designed to be multifunctional in order to meet the current and future demands for educational programs and events. The OC features a 6,500 seat arena, a 500+ seat black box theater, several multipurpose event spaces, and many classrooms and meeting rooms. You can expect to impress your event attendees with our onsite restaurants and coffee shop providing breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as catering opportunities.
Nestled in the center of the facility is the 7,500 seat arena. Located on two levels, the arena may be configured in many ways to best suit your event. The arena offers a 20’ x 40’ digital screen at one end, two smaller digital screens on the opposite end, as well as a digital display ribbon that runs above the seats on the upper level.
Surrounding the arena on the first floor is the concourse offering restaurants, retail shops, services and experiences. These stores are open to the public and operate their own hours. Each eatery is available for catering services within the facility.
Located in its own private section of The OC is the 10,000 sq ft black box theater. The 500+ seat theater is a completely self-sufficient space with its own separate entrance, lobby, restrooms, elevator and stairs. The space may be configured in numerous ways, including the use of movable walls to divide the space in half or even quarters. The audio/visual components of this space allow event organizers the creative freedom to incorporate lights, sound, sets and props for maximum audience impact. Easy load in and out through two 10’ wide and 14’ tall overhead doors leading from the loading dock directly onto the theater floor.
The OC has two large multipurpose spaces that are perfect for your next banquet, reception or awards dinner. The Banquet Hall is a 10,000 square foot space capable of seating 350+ guests for banquets. The Banquet Hall is located on the second floor at the front of the building and has one entire wall of windows overlooking the front landscape of The OC. This space has two large video boards permanently installed for special presentations.
The Theater Multipurpose space is an interior room that allows you to control the lighting of your event. With almost 4,000 square feet and the ability to seat approx. 150 people banquet style, this is a great option for smaller banquets and events, or could be used as a backstage area in conjunction with the theater space.
And since The OC has classrooms on the top two floors of the building, we have plenty of spaces for small workshops, training, classes and meetings. Every classroom has integrated projectors, whiteboards and speakers for your presentations. Individual classrooms accommodate approx. 28 people at shared tables or choose a double classroom for twice the space!
There are so many spaces to explore at The OC - we also have pickleball courts, exercise floors, outdoor patios on the 2nd floor and more!
THE OC CONTACTS:
Our team at The OC is ready to help! We know this is a new concept and there are a lot of questions - we have answers! Our favorite thing is to talk about The OC and everything it has to offer - contact us today for more information!
The OC Special Events Coordinator
DIANA BURK
dfburk@forneyisd.net
469-762-4375 ext. 10391
The OC Welcome Center Receptionist
ANDREA AGUILERA
alaguilera@forneyisd.net
469-762-4375 ext. 13062
Business Partnerships
TALANA MORRIS
tjmorris@forneyisd.net
469-762-4100 ext. 10296
Engage Programs
BRIAN WEAVER
bcweaver@forneyisd.net
469-762-4375 ext. 10208
DIRECTIONS TO THE OC:
The Keith Bell Opportunity Central is located in Forney, Texas. Just 20 miles east of downtown Dallas, The OC is easily accessible from highways 80, 20, and 30.
The Keith Bell Opportunity Central
680 Innovation Blvd.
Forney, Texas 75126
PARKING AT THE OC:
Well-lit, landscaped parking lots surround the OC with 2,465 available spaces. There are an additional 400+ parking spaces in adjacent lots.
LOADING DOCK:
The loading dock is located at the back of The OC and is easily accessible from our large, lighted parking lots. The loading dock has 2 bay doors - 1 with a ramp and 1 with a loading dock. The bay doors are 10’ wide by 14’ tall.
RENTAL SPACES:
All “Rate Per Hour” costs listed are based on Weekend (Friday/Saturday) Tier 1 pricing. For more information on pricing tiers and discounts, see Rental Tier chart below. All rental tiers will receive a 20% discount off room rates for Sunday-Thursday rentals.
GENERAL RENTAL INFORMATION
FACILITY USE:
All Facility Rentals will be coordinated through the OC Special Events Coordinator or their designee. Rental Client will use The OC facility only for the purpose outlined in the signed Rental Agreement. Rental Client will only use the portion of The OC they have contracted to use. Additional spaces outside of those contracted in the Rental Agreement are not available to the client or their guests. The time contracted on the Rental Agreement is for the entire duration of the event to include set up, event, tear down and clean up. The Event Supervisor will give notice of end-of-event timing. All participants, hosts, equipment, trash, and belongings must be removed from the space by end-of-event time. In the event that the space is not vacated by the end of the rental period, the Rental Client will be charged $50 for every 15 minutes over time.
No Forney Independent School District facility will be used by any group who is not in compliance with the requirements of all applicable Federal or State statutes, regulations and rules prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, color, sex, national origin, handicapping conditions, age or other protected classification.
Any misrepresentation by the Rental Client and/or abuse of any OC property may result in immediate termination of the Rental Agreement, including immediately vacating the premises and denial of the Rental Client’s request for future use.
Forney Independent School District retains the right to use and/or rent any remaining portions of The OC that are not part of the Lessee’s rental agreement.
FISD POLICIES:
Rental clients and every person connected with the rental are expected to comply with the rules, regulations, guidelines and policies of the Forney Independent School District.
BLACKOUT DATES:
The OC may have certain dates that are unavailable for public rentals based on FISD events.
DEADLINE TO REQUEST FACILITY USE:
In order to accomodate special events and schedule staffing, the following dates allow for appropriate planning:
RENTAL AGREEMENT:
Upon approval for use of The OC, the Rental Client will complete and sign a Rental Agreement indicating receipt and understanding of the policies, rental terms and conditions, and acknowledging that the District is not liable for any personal injury or damages to personal property related to the use of The OC.
DEPOSIT, FINAL PAYMENT, CHARGES AND REFUNDS:
An initial deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is due on the date the contract is signed. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days prior to the event. If the reservation is made less than 30 days prior to the event, the entire rental amount will be due on the date the contract is signed. In the event payment is not made in advance as directed, the event will be canceled and the Facility shall not be available to the Rental Client.
Payments may be made via check or credit card payment. Credit card payments may be made online via the link that will be provided to the Rental Client. Checks may be mailed to the administrative office: Forney ISD Attn: Diana Burk/OC Special Events 680 Innovation Blvd, Texas 75126. Or Rental Client can pay by check in person during the administrative office hours (8 am - 5pm Monday through Friday). Checks must be made payable to Forney ISD.
All monies paid are subject to the Cancellation Fee Table for refunds. See chart below.
In the event of cancellation by the District due to inclement weather, act of God, or any other reason outside of the control of the District, an attempt will be made to accommodate a reschedule. In the event that a reschedule cannot be made, the District will refund all monies paid by the Rental Client.
CHANGE FEE:
A per-request change fee of $25 will be assessed if requests to change any aspect of the event are made after the Event Quote has been signed. These requests will only be granted if the OC Special Events Coordinator or their designee can reasonably accommodate the request.
OTHER FEES:
Rental client agrees to pay the charges listed on the signed Event Quote pertaining to space, facility, equipment and personnel needed in connection with their use of The OC. These charges will be outlined in the Event Quote and will be included in the total rental amount.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Groups over 500 need to inquire about what coverages are required for their event.
FLOOR PLANS:
All floor plans must be agreed upon by the Rental Client and the OC Special Events Coordinator no later than 30 days prior to the event date. Floor plans are drawn to scale and show actual layout of the contracted space. The OC offers pre-set floor plans for each of our spaces. If these pre-set plans do not meet the Rental Client’s needs, the Rental Client must provide floor plans drawn to scale with layout and placements. The OC Special Event Coordinator will have final approval as to meet all codes, policies and event requirements.
FACILITY STAFFING:
All staffing will be at the discretion of the OC Special Events Coordinator. Staffing type and amount will be determined based on the event type and expected attendance. Staffing fees are neither optional nor negotiable. The rental client will be assigned a designated Event Supervisor who is responsible for opening and closing the space, answering any questions and assisting the rental client with any facility related issues. The Event Supervisor will not assist the Rental Client with setting up or tearing down the event. Event Client will not be permitted to provide staff in lieu of the required facility staff. When appropriate, the OC Special Events Coordinator may approve Rental Client to provide additional support staff. All such support staff will be subject to supervision by the Event Supervisor.
SECURITY:
Event security will be hired by the OC Special Events Coordinator in accordance with the event type and expected attendance. Security fees will be included in the cost of the rental.
CLEANING:
Rental client is responsible for cleaning the rental space to include all loose trash and removal of all items that were brought in for the event. Basic facility sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping down of surfaces will be done by The OC custodial staff and is included in the cost of the rental. Any additional cleaning such as trash removal, carpet cleaning, stain removal, etc will incur an additional cleaning fee of $30/hr.
RENTAL EQUIPMENT:
Furniture: The OC has chairs, 60” round tables, and 6’ rectangular tables available to rent.
Linens: available to rent in black or white. 6’ rectangular tablecloths can be fitted or regular.
Stage: The OC has the capability of constructing up to a 60’x40’ stage or customizing a stage design for your event. ADA stage ramps are also available.
REGISTRATION SPACE:
All registration tables and items must be within the confines of the space contracted through the Rental Agreement. Holding registration outside of the space must be approved in writing by the OC Special Events Coordinator (see ‘Common Areas and Lobbies’).
COMMON AREAS AND LOBBIES:
The desired use of any common, non-leased area, including lobby space, needs to be reviewed in advance with the OC Special Events Coordinator and is subject to the review and approval of the Fire Marshal. During the initial stages of planning, feasibility of the proposed use, especially for registration and other related ancillary displays must be included in your proposed floor plans. If the OC Special Events Coordinator grants approval for use of lobby or common areas, it becomes the responsibility of the Rental Client to provide protection for floor coverings, walls, doors, etc. The Rental Client is responsible for all damage incurred during an event and will be billed for associated cleaning and/or repair. Additional security staff may be needed for these areas. All usages MUST be included in the signed Event Quote. Any areas not included in the signed Event Quote are not available for use.
THIRD PARTY VENDORS:
Clients may hire third party vendors for their event needs. All such vendors must be made known to the OC Special Events Coordinator or their designee by the Final Payment Deadline (30 days prior to the event). All third party vendors must complete the Third Party Vendor Agreement prior to the Final Payment Deadline.
TICKET SALES:
Rental Client may sell tickets to their event at The OC. The Rental Client is responsible for all costs associated with the sale of tickets. Rental Client is responsible for the collection of and payment of any applicable sales or other taxes on ticket sale proceeds for the event specified.
PERMITS AND LICENSES:
Rental client is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licenses and authorizations which may be required by any laws, ordinances, rules or regulations pertaining to the event type or size for which they are utilizing The OC.
CHAPERONES:
Any events where youth will be present, there must be one (1) adult chaperone for every twenty-five (25) children. “Children” is anyone under the age of eighteen (18) years old and “Adult” is anyone over the age of twenty-five (25) years old. Note: The OC is not to be used as any type of daycare or babysitting service. Rental requests for such will be denied. Any event found to be using the facility for such services will immediately be terminated.
SIGNS:
Rental Client will not post any sign, advertisement, show bill, poster, or card of any description inside or outside of the building without prior written permission from the OC Special Events Coordinator. If the Rental Client does not remove any such items, the OC staff is authorized to remove and dispose of them. Rental Client will be charged for any damage due to the placement of such items.
DECORATIONS:
All decorations or other equipment, devices, etc. must be approved in advance by the OC Special Events Coordinator. No decorations will be attached to the walls, ceilings, floors, furnishings or fixtures of The OC. The OC reserves the right to exclude certain exhibit and/or decorating material that, in the opinion of Forney ISD, creates an unreasonable or unnecessary risk of injury or damage to persons or property. No balloons or any other product that could rise to the ceiling because of the product’s physical properties are allowed. Rental Client will be charged for removal of balloons and any damages.
RISERS AND BLEACHERS:
Rental Clients bringing in risers and/or bleacher type seating must comply with all local, state and national regulations. It is the Rental Client’s responsibility to ensure all applicable permits are in place prior to the event.
TENTS AND COVERED STRUCTURES:
The OC allows 10x10 feet or 100 square foot tents inside the facility. All tents and covered structures must comply with all local, state and national regulations. It is the Rental Client’s responsibility to ensure all applicable permits and fire protection equipment is in place prior to show opening.
NONCOMPLIANT EVENTS:
Forney Independent School District has the right to cancel or terminate any Rental Agreement if:
The event creates unreasonable risk of injury or damage to the facility, the Rental Client, or patrons
The event has been scheduled due to false or misleading information provided by the Rental Client
The event is declared obscene (by the standards of FISD)
GENERAL BUILDING INFORMATION
ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
If you are interested in advertising or sponsoring an event at The Opportunity Central, contact Talana Morris at tjmorris@fisd.net.
SITE VISITS:
The OC is available for site visits during working hours - Monday thru Friday 8 am - 5 pm. To help us provide the best service and maintain the integrity of any other events taking place in the building, site visits must be scheduled in advance with the OC Special Events Coordinator. Site visits are subject to availability.
TRASH DISPOSAL:
All trash will be removed from the rental spaces and placed in the dumpsters located outside at the loading dock.
KEYS:
All keys to the facility will remain in the possession of the Event Supervisor. Keys will not be loaned out or duplicated.
DOORS:
Under no circumstances should any exterior door be propped open or any automatic closing devices be removed from any door by the Rental Client.
MOVABLE WALLS:
The movable walls in the theater and in classrooms are to be opened, closed and otherwise operated only by The OC staff. Walls will be set up as agreed upon in the signed Rental Agreement. Any adjustments to this setup will need to be approved by the OC Special Events Coordinator and may incur additional fees.
ALTERATIONS:
No alterations, temporary or permanent, to any part of The OC property is allowed without written approval from the OC Special Events Coordinator. No nails, tape, blue tac, staples or other similar shall be used on any surface in The OC.
FIRST AID:
Access to a first aid kit will be available through the Event Supervisor. Eight (8) AEDs are located throughout the main building at The OC. Two (2) additional AEDs are located in the Early Childhood Center. Maps of these locations are available from The OC Special Events Supervisor.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
The OC has emergency procedures in place to quickly and efficiently respond to emergency situations. In case of an emergency, all attendees are to follow the instructions of the Event Supervisor and all other OC event staff. In some cases when audiences are expected to exceed 1,000 people, a separate Emergency Plan will be developed.
LOST AND FOUND:
Please give any found item(s) to the Event Supervisor. If they are unclaimed by the end of the event, the Event Supervisor will take the item(s) to the Welcome Center. If you have lost an item(s) during an event, check with the Event Supervisor. Any found items will be kept at the Welcome Center for 30 days before being disposed of or donated to charity.
LOST GUEST:
Notify the Event Supervisor immediately. The Event Supervisor will be capable of making an announcement on the PA to direct the lost guest to the appropriate location for reunification.
CONNECTIVITY:
Guest Wi-Fi is available free of charge to all visitors to The OC. Select “OC Guest” in your Wi-Fi settings menu. The OC uses ViVi to connect your devices to our displays. The OC Special Events Coordinator will give you detailed instructions for connecting to ViVi with your Rental Agreement. The Event Supervisor will be able to assist as needed.
EXTENSION CORDS AND ELECTRICAL POWER:
Use of extension cords, powerstrips, inverters, generators, and any other equipment used for power distribution must be approved by the OC Special Events Coordinator. Use of such equipment will be included in the Rental Agreement with specifics on equipment being used, location and purpose.
ANIMALS:
No animals are permitted inside the building with the exception of service animals. The owner of any service animal will be held fully responsible for their animal at all times.
VENDING MACHINES:
There are several vending machines located throughout the first floor. Vending machines are operated by a third party service. The OC and its staff are not responsible for lost money, malfunctioning machines, or stocking of the machines.
CLEAR BAG POLICY:
For larger events held at The OC, attendees will need to adhere to our clear bag policy. This helps ensure guest safety and a quicker entry into the facility. While the The OC encourages guests not to bring bags if possible, the following are permissible:
Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
One-gallon clear plastic Ziploc-style bags
Clutch bags approximately the size of a hand
Medically necessary items
The OC Special Events Coordinator will inform event organizers if the event must adhere to the clear bag policy.
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
All tobacco products, alcohol, firearms, weapons of any kind, fireworks, helium-filled balloons, bubbles, confetti, glitter, rice, birdseed, hay, silly string, pyrotechnics (unless authorized in writing by the OC Special Events Coordinator), any adhesive product on any surface of The OC, candles and other open flames, fog or haze machines, as well as any other items that can inherently cause damage, a fire hazard, or a cleaning issue through their normal use. At some events, cameras, video recorders, or other recording devices may not be allowed.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
No alcohol may be brought onto The OC campus.
WEAPONS DETECTORS:
The OC is equipped with Evolv weapons detectors at main entrances. For most public events held in the arena, the weapons detectors will be used. The detectors and staffing are available for all other events as agreed upon by the Rental Client and the OC Special Events Coordinator. Rental fees and staffing fees will be outlined in the rental agreement.
TOBACCO POLICY:
The OC is a Forney ISD building, per Texas Education Code 38.006, Texas public schools are tobacco-free environments. Smoking or using tobacco is prohibited on school property (including vapes and e-cigarettes). This includes the grounds, parking lots, and all other interior and exterior spaces at the Facility.
FIREARMS AND WEAPONS POLICY:
Firearms and weapons of all types are prohibited in The OC and all Forney Independent School District buildings.
ADA INFORMATION:
The OC falls under the requirements of the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 - which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in regard to employment and public accommodations.
The OC has 3 public elevators within the main building, plus 1 elevator in the theater space, and 1 elevator in our OC Junior space. All spaces within The OC are accessible and provide designated wheelchair seating. The OC has numerous handicapped parking spots to allow close proximity for entry to the facility. The OC has ramps available to utilize for stage access. Service animals are allowed at all events and in all spaces at The OC.
The OC Special Events Coordinator will ask about any ADA needs to place all necessary information in the Rental Agreement. If needs arise after the contract has been signed, please contact the OC Special Events Coordinator as soon as possible prior to the event so that accommodations can be made.
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING:
The OC provides heating or cooling throughout the building during operating hours and extended hours to cover any events beginning or ending outside of The OC operating hours. Only the Event Supervisor or other designated staff of The OC may adjust thermostats. Requests for temperature adjustments will be approved on a case-by-case basis and only when reasonably accommodated.
FLOOR LOAD LIMITS:
Arena: The main arena floor load limit is 350 pounds per square foot distributed load. Special consideration for weighted displays must be cleared through the OC Special Events Coordinator.
Hallways and Common Areas: The hallways have a general floor load limit of 150 pounds per square foot distributed load. Weighted exhibits in any hallway or common area must be pre-approved prior to load-in to confirm building capacity.
Theater: The floor load limit is 150 pounds per square foot distributed load.
OUTSIDE EQUIPMENT:
No equipment such as machinery, carts, wagons, etc. will be brought into The OC without prior written approval from the OC Special Events Coordinator. In some cases, floor coverings and building engineer approval will be required.
ROOF ACCESS:
Roof access and use is not allowed.
FIRE MARSHAL POLICIES
FIRE EXITS:
All floor plans are subject to approval by the Fire Marshal. Under no circumstances can a fire exit be blocked in any way at any time. The Event Supervisor will check fire exits periodically. Any Rental Client found violating this policy will immediately clear the exit, may face fines, and may be prohibited from future use of The OC.
LASERS:
Any lasers used must comply with the United States FDA Compliance Policy Guide Statement #22. The variance number, as issued by the US FDA Center for Devices and its expiration date will be given to the OC Special Events Coordinator no less than 30 days prior to the event.
INDOOR VEHICLE DISPLAY:
Any displaying of motor vehicles in the building must abide by safety guidelines established by the Fire Marshal. Batteries will be disconnected and gas tanks can be no more than one-fourth full. The OC building engineer must provide floor clearance approval prior to any vehicle display.
ROOM CAPACITIES:
Under no circumstances may the Rental Client exceed the Fire Marshal’s room capacity number. Rental Client will adhere to all fire and building codes.
OBSTRUCTIONS:
Rental Client will not allow any objects or obstructions to remain in the entrances, exits, passageways, elevators, stairwells, or sidewalks of The OC. Emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and alarms, are to remain unobstructed and accessible at all times.
AUDIO, VISUAL AND LIGHTING POLICIES
AV USAGE:
If the rental requires the operation of technical equipment belonging to The OC (sound boards, light boards, computers, etc.), AV Technicians will be assigned to the event in the amount and type needed to safely and competently operate the needed equipment. Only the assigned AV Technicians can operate the equipment. The cost of any AV Technicians needed will be included in the AV Fee section of the Event Quote.
SOUND OR LIGHT CHANGES:
Only authorized personnel and designated guests can make changes to sound and lighting equipment to prevent damage or interference. This includes preset button stations, lecterns, and light and sound boards.
RIGGING OR HANGING:
Presence of an OC Technical Manager is MANDATORY if hanging or rigging is needed throughout the rental period. The fees associated with their services are included under AV pricing in the Event Quote. All rigging, regardless of location, must be approved in advance and installed by an OC Technical Manager. Building Engineer approval is required for all rigging.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICIES
CATERING:
The OC Special Events Coordinator does not provide catering for your events. However, we do have several restaurants on-site that would be happy to work with you for your catering needs. The Rental Client must coordinate directly with the restaurant. Rental Clients are also allowed to bring in their own catering from off-site.
PREP KITCHEN:
The Prep Kitchen is an additional rental space. The Prep Kitchen can be rented for a shorter or longer period of time from the rest of the rental space as the Rental Client and OC Special Events Coordinator deem necessary and as available. The Prep Kitchen includes: cold storage, warm storage, ice machine, dishwashing capabilities, warm and cold transport carts, tea/coffee brewer, prep surfaces. Prep Kitchen does NOT provide any cooking capabilities. Fees for the Prep Kitchen will be outlined in the Event Quote.
CONCESSIONS:
Forney Independent School District reserves the right to regulate or prohibit the sale of any beverage, food, souvenir, or other merchandise on the premises of The OC. Any permits and licenses necessary for the sale of items is the responsibility of the Rental Client. Rental Client is responsible for paying all necessary state and federal taxes on such items. All sales must take place within the confines of the rented portion of The OC. There will be no tables or booths set up in the hallways or common areas unless approved in writing by the OC Special Events Coordinator (see ‘Common Areas and Lobbies’).
PARKING, FREIGHT AND DELIVERIES
PARKING/LOADING AND UNLOADING:
All vehicles must be parked in the marked parking spaces available at The OC. Parking in the loading dock, along curbs, under canopy, blocking fire lanes, or any other undesignated space is prohibited and violators will be towed at their expense. All equipment and freight must be unloaded at the loading dock only unless approved in writing by the OC Special Events Coordinator.
TRAFFIC POLICY:
If the event requires traffic control, direction and/or parking attendants, a traffic plan will be developed with the OC Special Events Coordinator. The traffic plan will include routes, schedules, and areas that require parking attendants. The OC Special Events Coordinator will be responsible for hiring the appropriate officers, parking attendants and other needed staff. The Forney Police Department will be employed to adequately control street traffic. All fees for officers, parking attendants and other staffing will be charged to the Rental Client.
FREIGHT:
Shipments delivered to The OC must reference the name of the event, location (i.e. Arena or Theater), and event contact name. Deliveries must be approved by the Special Events Coordinator and may require a representative of the event to be on-site to receive the shipment. The OC is not responsible for any deliveries or liable for left, lost, or stolen items. NOTE: Cash on Delivery (C.O.D.) deliveries will NOT be accepted by The OC at any time.
PARCEL INSPECTION:
All cartons, packages and other containers brought into the facility are subject to inspection.