KEEPING UP WITH LOS HENRYS
San Antonio's Thomas J. Henry loses spat over Corpus Christi arena
Thomas J. Henry has lost a bid to rename Corpus Christi's American Bank Center.
San Antonio celebrity lawyer Thomas J. Henry has lost his contentious battle to secure the naming rights to Corpus Christi’s American Bank Center. The ubiquitous attorney might sponsor turkey giveaways, fireworks displays, and boxer Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, but the coastal landmark won’t be bearing his name.
Although Henry now headquarters his practice in San Antonio, he has deep ties to the Corpus Christi community. He founded his practice in the city after graduating from St. Mary's Law School.
The saga over the arena has been going on since April 15, 2024, when Henry made a $12.5 million offer to rename the venue, paying $1.25 million annually over 10 years. By April 26, he took to the bully pulpit to accuse Corpus Christi city manager Peter Zanoni of interfering with the process.
“It’s disheartening to witness potential millions slip away from the taxpayers of Corpus Christi due to unnecessary political entanglements,” said Henry in an earlier release. “How many other opportunities have been missed because of such actions?”
Henry later upped the offer to $20 million over 10 years, saying the amount exceeded the $175,000 to $190,000 the American Bank contract netted the city. Much to Henry’s consternation, Corpus Christi City Council still did not make a final decision despite approving a June 10 resolution to give naming rights to the highest bidder.
Henry continued lobbing criticism as recently as June 18, when he again issued a press release condemning the inaction. He cited several Corpus Christi politicians and blamed “political gridlock and lack of transparency from decision-makers” for the delay.
In the end, it was all for naught for the high-profile attorney. In a tersely worded release, venue management company Oak View Group finally named the center’s namesake. The rights will go to Hilliard Law, a Corpus Christi-based firm that also has offices in Chicago. Details of the deal were not disclosed.
“Following a comprehensive and strategic search process that included several factors, this marks a significant step forward in establishing a long-term partnership that will enhance the visibility and future of the venue and the region,” wrote Oak View.
Now, Henry has an extra $2 million to spend every year. He could use it to extend his latest giveaway, a million-dollar social media sweepstakes he kicked off in April, instead of throwing his usual star-studded birthday bash.
