MATCH currently has an open catering policy. Clients may choose any licensed catering service to cater their event. Click HERE for a list of recommended caterers.
Mandatory Pre-Event Walkthrough: Caterers (or Client contact in charge of reception portion of event) must agree to meet with the Director of Patron Services in person prior to the event for a walkthrough of the space. This includes caterers that have previously catered at the MATCH.
Space is very limited at the MATCH. All catering set-up areas must be arranged in advance with the Director of Patron Services.
Groups who wish to cater for their own events must follow the same rules and guidelines presented here.
The MATCH reserves the right to refuse access to any vendor or caterer.
All deliveries must be coordinated directly with the Director of Patron Services in advance of the event date. The MATCH has limited space and items will need to be delivered and stored in specific designated areas.
Delivers and pickups must take place on the day of the event unless otherwise approved by the MATCH. The MATCH will not be responsible for items left after the event date.
Each performance/event space comes with 2 folding tables. Caterers or the client should supply all other equipment and necessary furniture for the catered event including additional tables, chairs, round tables, linens, decor, and any other items that they may need.
MATCH can provide augmented power for catering in specific areas. Please make sure to detail requests for extra power on your Reception/Catering questionnaire and discuss with the Director of Patron Services ahead of time.
PLEASE NOTE: Use of candles, propane, butane, and cooking of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the MATCH facilities. There are designated outside areas that may be used for cooking with certain guidelines.
The use of sterno in specified areas must be preapproved by the MATCH and follow mandatory guidelines.
The MATCH does not provide catering equipment, refrigeration, or ice. Access to water is also limited in some areas.
Other than augmented power, MATCH does not provide any catering equipment or service, including refrigeration, ice machines, etc.
Cleanup is the responsibility of the client and/or caterer.
All reception spaces must be returned to pre-event conditions.
Tables should be stored where they were found; rentals should be returned to a designated pickup area.
Clean-up includes sweeping and mopping where food is prepared and served and removing all trash to the dumpsters.
MATCH will provide brooms, mops, trashcans, and liners.
Please note that failure to properly restore the reception space to pre-event conditions may result in additional fees.
Parking in Midtown, like parking in Downtown, can be a challenge, and there are few places to park for free. We have managed to secure parking for tenants, staff, performers, technicians, and artists.
There is a fair amount of street parking in Midtown, much of which is free. Be careful though; some of the street parking is only good for certain times of the day. For instance, Travis and Milam must be clear for rush hour. Please check the parking signs. The easiest street parking is on the East/West streets, like Francis and Berry.
Please note that while street parking can be free, there are certain guidelines you need to follow to make sure you do not receive a parking ticket. Please refer below for guidelines.
One free option for MATCH Tenants/Staff/Artists is the north lot of South Main Baptist Church (4100 Main St, Houston, TX 77002) on Main Street, 5 blocks south of the MATCH. We have an arrangement with the church that allows MATCH Tenants/Staff/Artists to park there for free and your car can stay there all day. The train runs on Main Street and that side of Main, the west side, is nice, going past the Big Top, Double Trouble, and Winnie’s. PLEASE requested a parking pass from the Director of Patron Services to park in this lot.
Closer to the MATCH is the Mid-Main Garage directly to the South across Holman at 3505 Travis. This garage is accessible through Holman Street or Travis Street and is open 24 hours. Parking can be paid by credit card or cash at the designated pay machines. Rates are dependent on your time in the garage. You will receive a ticket when you enter, and you can pay for your parking when you leave. Parking rates can be found at www.matchouston.org/location-parking.
Mid-Main has two surface lots, one at the Southeastern corner of Main and Holman, directly to the South of Trinity Church. This lot is available all day and night throughout the week EXCEPT between 7 AM to 2 PM on Sunday. The other lot can be found at the Southeastern corner of Fannin and Windbern. This lot is open to the public all day and night. Both lots have their own pay station where patrons can pay. Cash only.
If none of these appeal to you, you might consider taking the light rail which stops a half-block South of MATCH on Main Street. It is the easiest cheapest way to get to MATCH. The station is named Ensemble Theatre Station.
If you park on a street around the MATCH, please follow the following guidelines:
Your vehicle must be 15 ft. from a fire hydrant.
Your vehicle must be 30 ft. from a stop sign.
Your vehicle must be 20 ft. from a crosswalk. This includes crosswalks that may not be clearly marked. Consider it 20 ft. from the sidewalk.
If you do not follow these guidelines, you run a STRONG chance of receiving a parking ticket.