University of Kansas – Jayhawk Hospitality
Now booking overnight events for Summer 2024 and Summer 2025, and day events through December 2025!
Event Types Welcomed
About
You have event plans – KU has bright prospects.
For over 150 years, the University of Kansas has prided itself on facilitating the success of a diverse community of students. Now, Jayhawk Hospitality can bring that same energy to your event or conference through a combination of hands-on expertise, innovative facilities, and prestigious affiliation. Whether you are a professional planner or gaining knowledge on how to organize an event, you can trust KU’s friendly, helpful, and specialized team to assist you in making the most of your opportunity.
Jayhawk Hospitality is as full-service as you need and will solve any demand your event might require. Our venues vary from historic to ultramodern and can be tailored to fit your needs for technology, catering, furnishing, and other event options. Through one-on-one consultations, our team will listen to what you need and help you implement the planning and management to ensure a memorable experience. The KU community is ready to welcome you and your guests with the inclusive and vibrant atmosphere of a premier hospitality provider.
Meeting & Event Spaces
Kansas Union - Ballroom
The Ballroom at the Kansas Union is a flexible, multi-purpose space for up to 600 people for a meeting or special event. The Ballroom opens into the Parlors for additional space. Ballroom features include:
- Main ceiling: 20'9", overhang: 8'9"
- Movable stage (ht: 24" to 32"). ADA ramp must be used at 32" height.
- Mounted data projector & projection screen: 20 ft wide x 11 ft; diagonal: 23 ft (best resolution & aspect: 1366x768; 16:9); HDMI connections
- Installed sound system
- Wi-Fi
- Dance floor
- Piano
Woodruff Auditorium
Take center stage at Woodruff Auditorium, the Kansas Union's largest theater space. The auditorium offers state-of-the-art A/V equipment and professional-grade presentation technology.
Note: This space requires a minimum booking of 150 guests.
Features: Stage, HDMI Connection, Installed sound system, mounted projector and 20' screen.
Burge Union- Forum ABCD
In KU's Central District, the Burge Union redefines campus spaces with its dynamic design. Offering versatile meeting spaces for KU and Lawrence, it features a grand Forum for up to 1,000 guests and contemporary open areas, injecting modern fun into this exceptional venue.
The main level includes 5 various meeting spaces including the Discovery Room and Forums. In the building is a Starbucks counter, two (2) small reflection rooms, and an on-site mother nursing room.
Forum ABCD can be rented as a separate space such as Forum A, B, C, and D as well as Forum AB, Forum CD, and Forum ABC.
The Lied Center Performing Arts Center
Ready to take the stage? You can make a scene (or just wow your guests) at the Lieds' large, elegant theater space. Note: Parking at the Lied is free for all guests.
Auditorium & Stage seat 2,000 with mezzanine style seating
Kemper Foyer & Pavilion Event Space on site for additional event spaces
Kemper Foyer- The Lied Performing Arts Center
Located inside the Lied Performing Arts Center a unique event space with natural light, and campus views, easy and free convenient parking on site, this a great space for hosting your next event at KU.
The Pavilion at the Lied Performing Arts Center
For a mid-sized to larger guest list, the Lied's Pavilion offers a minimalist — yet welcoming — space.
The Jayhawk Welcome Center
Whether your occasion is a banquet dinner, happy-hour reception, small meeting or corporate event, the Jayhawk Welcome Center offers top-notch venues and amenities to fit your needs. Hover over our venues below to view features and capacities. The Welcome Center has 8 various event spaces to choose from.
Seymour Pub
Sporting the original doors from Old Fraser Hall, this modern with a traditional feel venue is ideal for your brunch meeting, happy hour, or game-day reception. The Pub has six flat-screen televisions for easy viewing of presentations or sporting events. Come see some of the original University pennants and letterman sweaters!
Alderson Auditorium at the Kansas Memorial Union
Alderson Auditorium is a mid-sized room right off the front entrance of the Kansas Union. This attractive space is easily converted to fit your event’s requirements.
Kansas
Even if your event doesn't call for a dance floor, the Kansas room offers a classy, spacious venue for any mid-sized or larger gathering. Located on level 5 of the Kansas Memorial Union. Features in room include hardwood floors, HDMI connection, installed sound system, mounted projectors and screens.
The Jay
This spacious common area is easily furnished and reconfigured to fit your event. A raised level with lounge furniture is next to the space.
Hawks Nest
Multipurpose space with lounge area featuring a small stage with LCD Monitors on back wall.
Jayhawk
Versatile meeting space adjacent to both the Big 12 Room and Parlors.
Big 12 Room
Multipurpose event space that connects and opens to the Jayhawk Room on Level 5. Installed sound system, HDMI connection, mounted projector and screen available.
Parlors A, B and C at Kansas Memorial Union
Booked separately or together, the parlors are versatile spaces equipped for social gatherings and professional engagements.
Malott Room at Kansas Memorial Union
With mid-century furniture, floral arrangements, and a fireplace, this space offers a sophisticated charm that will elevate any event.
Food & Beverage Options
South Dining Commons
This all-you-care-to-eat facility serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to conference participants enrolled in a dining plan.
Mrs. E's
This all-you-care-to-eat facility serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to conference participants enrolled in a dining plan.
The Market at the Kansas Union
A hub of several quick grab-n-go options, Chick-fli-A, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, King's Hawaiian, Starbucks, and more. KU proudly partners with GrubHub on campus!
Courtside Cafe at the DeBruce Center
A variety of quick grab-n-go menus from salads, wraps, bbq and more! A Starbucks Coffee counter is also available for purchase. A campus GrubHub dining location.
The CoffeeHouse
This Starbucks Coffeehouse serves signature Starbucks classic and popular drinks and bakery items. A GrubHub dining location.
Catering options
KU Catering Services
KU Catering Services provides year-round, full-service catered options for meetings, events, and conferences at the University of Kansas. Both plated and self-service buffet options are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as creative options for refreshment breaks, boxed lunches, and receptions (including alcohol service). With a wide range of choices for any type of event or budget, our catering services are flexible and can be tailored to your specific needs. You can view our full menu here: KU Catering Full Menu.
Catering Menu
Accommodations
Overnight Room Attributes
Self Hall
Self Hall is located on the south end of a three-building complex that includes the Daisy Hill Commons and Oswald Hall. Its rooms include two- and four-person suites, and private bedrooms with shared bath. This hall can be assigned as coed by suite and houses 350 residents.
*Note - conference groups are assigned to residence halls each summer based on existing bookings, renovation and maintenance plans, and availability. Requests for specific residence halls will be taken into consideration but are not guaranteed.
This accommodation has A/C
Oswald Hall
Oswald Hall is located on the south end of a three-building complex that includes the Daisy Hill Commons and Self Hall. Its rooms include two- and four-person suites, and private bedrooms with shared bath. This hall can be assigned as coed by suite and houses 350 residents.
*Note - conference groups are assigned to residence halls each summer based on existing bookings, renovation and maintenance plans, and availability. Requests for specific residence halls will be taken into consideration but are not guaranteed.
This accommodation has A/C
Downs Hall
Located in KU's Central District, Downs Hall is KU's newest residence hall. The South Commons Dining center is conveniently attached to the hall, and Downs is within easy walking distance of Daisy Hill, Allen Fieldhouse, and Ambler Student Recreation Center. It is across the street from the School of Business, and near the Schools of Law, Engineering, and Music. Downs Hall is home to the ROTC Living Community.
Downs is home to 545 coed students. This coed hall is single gender by suite and its rooms include two- and four-person suites, and private bedrooms with shared bath. Downs Hall opened in 2017.
Every floor in Downs features a large lobby with a TV and study alcoves. The main floor offers a full kitchen as well as pool and ping pong tables. Outdoor fields for soccer, football, and other sports are located on the west side of the building. Additionally, wireless internet and laundry are provided.
Oread Hotel
Hilton Tapestry Collection Boutique Hotel
Closest to campus hotel option
This accommodation has A/C
Featured Amenities
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A/V Equipment
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Accessible Facilities
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Air Conditioning
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Bus
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Business Center
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Car Charging Station
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Chairs
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Dance Floor
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Eco-Friendly
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Event Tent
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Fitness Center
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Flexible Floor Plan
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Game Room
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Golf
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Hosted Bar
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In-House Catering
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Kitchen Access
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Lactation Station
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Laundry
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Linens
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Near Public Transit
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Near Water
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Open Bar
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Outdoor Space
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Overnight Rooms
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Paid Parking
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Private Parking
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Rooftop Space
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Running Trails
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Scenic Views
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Sports Facilities
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Stage
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Tables
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Taxi
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Theater Seating
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VIP Room
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WiFi
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Yoga & Meditation
Venue Location + Transportation
Address
1301 Jayhawk Blvd.,
Floor 3; #327 & #335,
Lawrence, Kansas 66045
Floor 3; #327 & #335,
Lawrence, Kansas 66045
Transportation
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Bus
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Lyft
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Taxi
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Uber
Nearby Airport
- Kansas City International- MCI - 60 minutes
Nearby International Airport
- Kansas City International- MCI - 60 minutes
Parking
- Onsite Parking: Yes
Nearby Cities
Kansas City – 45 miles|Topeka – 30 miles|St. Louis – 300 miles
Things to Know
Catering
- Must Use In-house Catering: Yes
- External Catering Allowed: No
- Can Bring in Own Food: no
- Food and Beverage Onsite: Yes
- Do you offer tables, chairs, and linens?: Yes
Technology
Venues are equipped with a variety of technology and A/V capabilities. These include:
- Video conferencing: Many venues are equipped to host hybrid and virtual events.
- Projectors and screens: Mounted or free-standing projectors are available in most KU venues.
- Sound systems: Many venues feature built-in sound systems.
- Wi-fi: All venues have free high-speed wireless internet.
- Tech support: At your request, staff can be on hand to assist with A/V or computer setup.
- Guest Wi-Fi: Free
- Onsite Tech Support: Yes
- Wi-Fi in meeting space: Yes
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Equipment Available On-Site:
- LCD Projectors
- Projector Screen
- Laptops
- Microphones
- Sound System
- Custom Lighting
Venue Policies
- Alcohol Consumption: Yes
- Smoking Permitted: no
- Cannabis Industry-Friendly: No
- Cannabis Consumption: No
- Eco Friendly: Yes
- ADA Accessible: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
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University of Kansas – Jayhawk Hospitality
We Connect Unique People With Unique Spaces
MEET TO YOUR OWN DRUM
At Unique Venues, we believe that inherent inclusivity is at the core of being unique. We celebrate the notion that people gather for different reasons and that audiences are filled with humans of every race, gender expression, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, age, political leaning, and more.
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