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An Urban Event Venue Inspired by the Minnesota Landscape

This premier conference and event center on the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus is a popular choice for meetings, conferences, galas, holiday parties and wedding receptions. With architecture inspired by the Minnesota landscape of wood, water and copper, McNamara is a stunning venue for small and large gatherings.

Posing with Goldy Gopher

University Events

As the premier event venue on the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus, our team helps facilitate more than 400 University events a year including graduations, faculty trainings, poster sessions and alumni gatherings.
Three people at a conference

Conferences

With a built-in stage and AV including 2 large screens and virtual streaming capabilities, Memorial Hall is a great room for a conference keynote address and large meetings.
Wedding couple outside McNamara

Weddings

Having earned a spot in the Top 50 Places to Get Married in the U.S. by Brides magazine, our Memorial Hall is a stunning backdrop for weddings up to 400 guests. University Hall is an intimate setting for celebrations up to 150 people.
Gala table setting

Galas

When combined with adjacent rooms for check-in and silent auction, Memorial Hall is perfect for fundraising galas or large holiday parties. Along with an adjacent parking ramp and connected hotel, McNamara has many conveniences.

Benefits to Choosing Us

10 Unique Rooms all on the First Floor
Award-winning D’Amico Catering Onsite
Adjacent 500-car Parking Ramp
Graduate Minneapolis Hotel Connected by Tunnel
Superior Built-in AV with Onsite Technicians
5-Star Service by Our Team
 

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.

Watch this two-minute video that showcases our beautiful venue and its many conveniences for local, regional and national events.

 

Applause from our Clients

“This is the 4th time we have held our event at McNamara. Each time the staff and catering have done a tremendous job contributing to the success of our workshop. Each and every staff member was as professional and helpful as they could possibly be.  Our participants come from all over the country, representing 17 different Universities, and they all commented that we definitely want to hold our future event at McNamara.”

— Bob M., Diversifying CNS program

“The team at the McNamara Alumni Center is spectacular and we’ve had great success in the events that we’ve hosted there over the last few years. The team is attentive and so incredibly service-oriented. I can’t thank them enough!”

— Teresa B. of Bremer Bank

“McNamara was one of the best wedding decisions we made! It was an absolute dream venue! If you’re looking to impress your guests, THIS is the venue! Every single aspect was handled smoothly and professionally from start to finish! And the food–Wow! My husband and I just cannot say enough about every person we worked with and the venue itself!”

— Allie M., Bride

“We were thrilled to be able to have our wedding reception at McNamara Alumni Center! Not only is it a stunning venue, but the whole McNamara event team was so helpful throughout our planning process. It was also such a value add to have the venue and caterer work so closely together on details. They are truly experts and helped us think through every detail and provided recommendations on what works well and were honest about what doesn’t. Thank you for helping us plan our perfect day!”

— Heather W., Bride

Two Ways to Save!

We may be running a booking promotion—see if your event qualifies!
Alumni, see if your event qualifies for a U of MN Alumni Association discount!