Directions & Parking
As many as 90,000 visitors a year attend events at the McNamara Alumni Center for conferences, wedding receptions, meetings and other special events. This University of Minnesota office building and special event venue is located on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus, across from Williams Arena and Huntington Bank Stadium.
Recommended Parking
Adjacent University Avenue Parking Ramp:
1926 University Ave. SE, Mpls. 55455
Directions to Adjacent University Avenue Parking Ramp
The alumni center is conveniently located off Interstates 35 and 94. From 35W north or south, take Exit #18, the 4th St-University Ave exit. Turn onto University Ave (a one-way). Stay in the right lane and drive 9 blocks to the University Ave Parking Ramp — located on the right side of the street. To access McNamara’s front circle drive, pass the parking ramp and drive another 1 block to Oak Street and take a right.
Other Nearby Parking
Front Entrance & Circle Drive:
200 Oak St. SE, Mpls. 55455
Washington Avenue Parking Ramp:
501 SE Washington Ave, Mpls. 55455
Oak Street Ramp:
401 SE Oak St, Mpls. 55455
General Parking Information
The adjacent University Avenue Parking Ramp accommodates 500 cars and is connected by tunnel to the Alumni Center. The ramp entrance is on University Ave. Parking is $3.00 per hour with a daily maximum of $13.00. Depending on the event schedule on campus, the ramp may be in “event mode” and require pre-payment. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Kiosks are located throughout campus, including in the ramp itself, for payment reconciliation before departing the ramp. You can also pay as you exit the ramp.
To get to the Alumni Center after parking in the University Avenue Parking Ramp, take the ramp’s East elevator to tunnel B or street level. The Alumni Center is the copper building adjacent to the ramp.
There are two other parking ramps near the alumni center. The Washington Avenue Ramp is a 1300-car ramp located 1 block southwest of the alumni center and attached via tunnel to the Graduate Minneapolis hotel and McNamara Alumni Center. Please consult with the Graduate Minneapolis hotel directly for more information about overnight parking with in and out privileges. Two blocks south of the alumni center is the Oak Street Ramp. This ramp has a $6.00 daily rate on weekends beginning Friday at 5:00pm through Sunday.
Event Parking
Evening events at the Alumni Center may qualify for event rates of $10.00-$20.00 per car. You may be required to pay as you enter, take a ticket and pay as you exit, or your event host may provide you with a voucher either in advance via email or at the event. Please consult your event invitation or inquire with the host of your event to learn more.
To get to the Alumni Center after parking in the University Avenue Parking Ramp, take the ramp’s East elevator to tunnel B or street level. The Alumni Center is the copper building adjacent to the ramp.
Other Parking Options
- The Oak St. entrance accommodates drop-offs with a 20 minute limit.
- Two 15-minute meters are at the Oak St. entrance.
- Metered street parking is available along Oak Street — Accepts credit cards. Enforced M-Sat until 8pm. Free on Sundays.
- Two handicapped parking spaces are available at the Center’s entrance on Oak Street.
Loading Dock
McNamara Alumni Center has a loading dock on the east side of the building. From our front circle drive (200 Oak St. SE) drive 1 block south to Washington Avenue then turn right (This is the same street as the Metro Green Line.) Drive 1 block to Walnut St then turn right. McNamara’s loading dock is on your right just past Beacon Street.
Light Rail — Green Line
The Green line stops a short block from the McNamara Alumni Center at the East Bank Station. It is on Washington Avenue across from the Graduate Minneapolis hotel. McNamara is just 4 stops on the Green line from Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. For specific route and schedule information visit www.metrotransit.org or https://www.metrotransit.org/route/green
Metro Area Bus
Metro Transit Buses 2, 113, 114, 115, 465, and 475 stop just outside McNamara Alumni Center at Oak Street and Washington Avenue. Stop ID: 41248 (heading South) and 40278 (heading North). For routes and schedule information, visit www.metrotransit.org
Conveniently Located
Conveniently located off Interstates 35W and 94, the alumni center is easy to get to and is less than 2 miles from downtown Minneapolis and 14 miles from the airport. A 500-car parking ramp is adjacent to the alumni center and connected by tunnel.