University Events

The McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota is the premier event venue on campus. Opened in 2000 and privately owned by the University of Minnesota Foundation and University of Minnesota Alumni Association, the alumni center hosts more than 500 University events each year in its 10 rooms including conferences, career fairs, and graduations. Room rental rates at the McNamara Alumni Center are charged at either the University or Non-University rate.

What Qualifies an Event for University Pricing?

A University event is defined as a University of Minnesota entity hosting a University-sponsored event that supports the mission of the institution. A member of the University department is our contact who coordinates the event details, signs the contract and pays the invoice. A corporate or private event coordinated by a University alumnus, donor or employee is charged the non-University rate.

Note: The room rental listed on each of the room pages is Non-University pricing. To access University pricing, planners of University events should click on the maroon M beneath the room rental and the link will bring you to THIS page.

McNamara invoices on the 1^st and the 15^th of the month and we accept checks, cash, or credit cards. We do not accept payment by EFS.

University Room Rates

Memorial Hall
$2,000
University Hall
$1,200
Johnson Great Room
$1,200
Thomas H. Swain Room
$900
Heritage Gallery
$900

Ski-U-Mah Room
$700
The Commons
$400
Minnesota Room
$400
Gateway
$200
Big Ten Room
$200

after hours (if the building would otherwise be closed, add $50/hour)

additional hours (if rental goes beyond 6 hours)

set-up ($50-$300 depending on the nature of your event)

Room Summary PDF

Want to compare all of our rooms side by side? View this handy PDF that compares capacities, features and pricing all on one page!

Catering for University Events

University events held on the first floor of the McNamara Alumni Center must use D’Amico Catering. D’Amico Catering, the McNamara Alumni Center’s in-house caterer, has a full-service kitchen and an on-site office. They can be reached at 612-624-9838 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

University events may incur food and beverage minimum requirements depending on the room, day of the week and month.