A Stunning Gala Venue
10 small-medium-large rooms all on the first floor
The architecturally-stunning McNamara Alumni Center makes a fabulous celebration venue. Many Minneapolis companies and non-profits plan their holiday parties, galas and fundraisers here and many return year after year. With ten rooms all on the first floor—many adjacent and connected—McNamara easily accommodates silent auction, dinner, storage, volunteer headquarters, coat check and check-out.
What Could Your Gala at McNamara Look Like?
Conveniences for Galas
Easy Access from Interstates 35W and 94
McNamara is very easy to get to! Off Interstate 35W, we’re just 9 blocks down from the University Avenue exit. Coming from the east, we’re a short drive off of Interstate 94.
Adjacent 500-car Parking Ramp
McNamara Alumni Center is conveniently located by several nearby parking facilities, all operated by University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation Services. This includes the adjacent University Avenue Ramp which is connected by tunnel to the alumni center. All University parking facilities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are available to anyone coming to campus including athletic events.
Planners of galas here at McNamara will receive guidance and coordination from McNamara staff on recommended parking options, rates and maps to share with gala attendees. Valet parking at our front entrance circle drive can also be coordinated.
Adjacent Graduate Minneapolis Hotel Connected by Tunnel
The hip Graduate Minneapolis Hotel is connected by tunnel and offers 315 sleeping rooms with off-peak discounts for McNamara clients.
Twin Cities Most Awarded Caterer Onsite—D’Amico Hospitality
D’Amico Hospitality is the exclusive caterer of the McNamara Alumni Center and must provide all of the food and beverage service for galas. (Special accommodations can be made for donated wine or other product.) They are the Twin Cities most awarded caterer and have a kitchen facility here onsite with full-time sales and kitchen staff. They have extensive experience in preparing delicious menus that meet dietary and cultural requests.
Picture your gala here…
Complimentary Offerings for Fundraising Events
We understand that planning a fundraiser is all about keeping costs down and raising money for your organization. We offer the following at no additional charge to fundraising events:
Supplies and Equipment
- 10 handsome wooden easels for signage or auction item displays
- 9 8X5 wooden portable panels to hang auction items, including 5 with track lighting
- Votive candles in the water feature
- 6X8 skirted black platforms for stage extension or elevation needs (Total of 8)
- Black, copper, or maroon-colored theatrical draping behind the stage
Rooms
- 1 meeting room with no room rental charge prior to your event for a committee meeting (any catering would incur a charge)
- 2 small meeting rooms the night of your event to be used at no charge for storage, coat room, band staging, or volunteer headquarters
Parking
- Two 24-hour parking spaces at our Oak St. entrance for deliveries, staff parking, etc. for the day of your event
AV
- Use of our second Memorial Hall screen (a $250 savings)
- Lavaliere microphone or handheld microphone for the auctioneer
Signage and Marketing
- Free use of our digital signage throughout the venue for custom messaging to your guests (graphic provided by client)
See for Yourself
This two-minute video showcases our beautiful venue, perfect for celebrations and galas.