Our talented team of seven has years of event and meeting planning expertise, making the McNamara Alumni Center a favorite conference and special event venue in Minneapolis. Of 140 customer service surveys returned in 2019, the average rating for overall satisfaction from McNamara's clients was 4.9 out of 5.0.
We will take good care of you! To reserve a meeting room within the McNamara Alumni Center or request a tour, please contact the Event Management Office. All team members are employees of University Gateway Corporation, the management company of the McNamara Alumni Center. We employ University of Minnesota students to work part-time as either event set-up crew or helping staff evening and weekend events.
We will take good care of you! To reserve a meeting room within the McNamara Alumni Center or request a tour, please contact the Event Management Office. All team members are employees of University Gateway Corporation, the management company of the McNamara Alumni Center. We employ University of Minnesota students to work part-time as either event set-up crew or helping staff evening and weekend events.
Services
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. We are a popular choice with ILEA members! 10 rooms, all on the first floor, for celebrations from 50 to 1,000 people.
D'Amico & Sons cafe, located on the first floor of the McNamara Alumni Center, is a great spot for a light breakfast or lunch when visiting the University of Minnesota. The restaurant offers homemade pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, innovative salads and pastas, breads and desserts.
It is fashioned after D'Amico's other restaurants in the Twin Cities by the same name and known for "heavenly good food created from scratch using fresh natural ingredients."The cafe offers seating for 110 people and an adjacent landscaped patio has seating for 90 people. The cafe is available for drop-off service within the McNamara Alumni Center or delivery to University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus locations or the surrounding area.
It is fashioned after D'Amico's other restaurants in the Twin Cities by the same name and known for "heavenly good food created from scratch using fresh natural ingredients."The cafe offers seating for 110 people and an adjacent landscaped patio has seating for 90 people. The cafe is available for drop-off service within the McNamara Alumni Center or delivery to University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus locations or the surrounding area.
With a built-in screen and projector, this open space is perfect for conference registration and networking in a comfortable environment with a sightline of Memorial Hall. It is also adjacent to the Swain Room, a midsize meeting room. The Commons is one of three rooms included in our small wedding package.
The smallest of our meeting rooms offers high-back, adjustable chairs around a conference table setting. Possible charges may be incurred for additional hours (for rental beyond 6 hours @ $25/hr) or after hours (if the building would otherwise be closed, add $40/hour). Please note: a minimum of 35 attendees is required for events taking place during non-business hours.
Yes, D'Amico Catering is the exclusive in-house caterer at McNamara Alumni Center for non-University events. D'Amico & Sons and D'Amico Catering are owned by the same parent company, however, D'Amico & Sons is a restaurant and D'Amico Catering is a full-service catering company. Food and beverage service provided by D'Amico Catering includes event staff for your event.
Reviews (5)
Tiffany B.
Oct 09, 2016
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Pretty fun space--lots of light, fun angles, an indoor water feature and the preserved entry to an old stadium (?) or some other older piece of architecture and used it as an entry to a little museum to the history of the university--a few features of inventions from alumni and a huge wall of books that turned out to be dissertations and papers from former students. A small museum with nice touches--a map of the state built into the floor, using the space with fun displays. Pretty sweet.
John B.
Jul 31, 2013
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Breanne K.
Mar 07, 2012
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McNamara sticks out like a sore thumb on campus. It is beautiful, with large windows and vanishing pools to accent the open space. This place is astonishing when it is decorated for events. The lighting is subtle and perfect for intimate events. The Memorial Hall is the largest space and is supposed to reflect certain Minnesotan Lakes. The Johnson Great Room is smaller, but it has a wonderful fireplace. Really unique.
D'Amico is located in a back corner. Alumni Association members get a 10% discount on an entree and drink. McNamara is a great place to stop for lunch.
D'Amico is located in a back corner. Alumni Association members get a 10% discount on an entree and drink. McNamara is a great place to stop for lunch.
Ann P.
Feb 13, 2012
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Mandy J.
Feb 25, 2010
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I have had the most lovely experience working with the McNamara Center. I am currently planning my wedding reception at the McNamara...
Let's start with aesthetics. In my humble opinion, this building is beyond amazing. I am confident that when people walk in thier jaws will drop, mine did. The best part is, each part of the design is symbolic of a part of Minnesota, and for us Minnesota lovers, this means a great deal.
Next the staff. I am working with Bridget McCoy and she is a dream to work with. Possitive, full of energy and most helpful. My caterer (D'Amicos) is Brenda
Let's start with aesthetics. In my humble opinion, this building is beyond amazing. I am confident that when people walk in thier jaws will drop, mine did. The best part is, each part of the design is symbolic of a part of Minnesota, and for us Minnesota lovers, this means a great deal.
Next the staff. I am working with Bridget McCoy and she is a dream to work with. Possitive, full of energy and most helpful. My caterer (D'Amicos) is Brenda
