A Serene & Peaceful Setting
Medium and large rooms for celebrations honoring a loved one
Whether or not you or your loved one attended the University of Minnesota, the architecturally-stunning McNamara Alumni Center is a serene and peaceful venue for a memorial service or celebration of life. With copper and wood walls, ample natural light and water features both inside and outside the venue, Memorial Hall and University Hall are two beautiful room choices.
What Could a Memorial Service at McNamara Look Like?
UMAA members receive up to 20% off room rental!
Alumni Discounts
Benefits to Choosing Us:
Adjacent 500-car Parking Ramp
An adjacent 500-car parking ramp on University Avenue is connected by tunnel to the McNamara Alumni Center. However, parking on campus is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Other nearby parking options include the Washington Avenue Ramp, Oak Street Ramp and city street meters. Our front circle drive is a convenient drop off for guests, especially those going right inside to Memorial Hall.
McNamara staff can help make parking arrangements on your behalf if you’d like to cover the cost of parking for some or all of your guests. We will work on your behalf with the University which operates the ramps and advise you on the recommended parking locations for your guests and the corresponding rates. Fees range from $6-$12 per car.While we do our best to secure parking for McNamara events in the adjacent University Avenue Ramp, guests may be directed to multiple ramps based on campus activity.
Award-Winning Catering Onsite
D’Amico Hospitality is the exclusive caterer of the McNamara Alumni Center and must provide all of the food and beverage service for memorials. 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.
Superior AV & Technicians
All of our event spaces include a podium with microphone and built-in projector and screen. For your peace of mind, we highly recommend hiring our onsite AV tech ($80/hr with a 3-hour minimum) to manage your event’s audio and visual elements. This is especially convenient for smooth transitions if multiple family members bring flash drives or laptops with photos and videos to showcase.
Complimentary Offerings
We understand that planning a memorial can be stressful. To provide comfort and ease during this time, we offer the following at no additional charge for memorials:
- Private family room set with comfortable club chairs for a relaxed environment for family to gather before the service
- Two designated parking meters at the building entrance for family, musicians or other vendors
- Eight handsome wooden easels for photo displays
- A beautiful glass high-top table for urn or floral display or program distribution
- Audio connection to play custom Spotify list
- Compassionate staff who are attentive to your needs throughout the service
- Reserved seating cards on front row seats for family
- Tissue boxes provided in both first floor restrooms and throughout the venue
- A second screen in Memorial Hall for an enhanced presentation
- Votive candles in the water feature (Memorial Hall only)
- Access to landscaped patio with water feature, weather permitting (University Hall only)
Honor a Loved One’s Life
