University of Kansas – Jayhawk Hospitality
Now booking overnight events for Summer 2024 and Summer 2025, and day events through December 2025!
Event Types Welcomed
Adult Social Events
Corporate Social Events
Expo/Competitions
Family Reunions
Leisure Travel
Professional Meeting / Training / Conference / Retreats
Youth Parties
Youth Retreat/Camps
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
Max Capacity: 2000 Guests
Largest Classroom Style: 528
Largest Theatre Style: 2000
Largest Auditorium Seating: 2000
Largest Seated Reception: 648
Largest Standing Reception: 1514
Maximum Casual Dining Seating: 600
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
- 7000 Sq. Ft.
- 438 Banquet Style
- 234 Classroom Style
- 600 Theatre Style
- Floorplan Layout
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.
- 480 Theatre Style
- Floorplan Layout
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.
- 10,600 Sq. Ft.
- 640 * does not include stage or any other furniture in event space. Banquet Style
- 528 Classroom Style
- 857 Theatre Style
- 549 Conference Style
- Floorplan Layout
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
- 14,000 Sq. Ft.
- 280 Banquet Style
- 100 Classroom Style
- 2000 Theatre Style
- 350 Conference Style
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.
- 125 Banquet Style
- 60 Classroom Style
- 100 Theatre Style
- 350 Conference Style
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.
- 150 Banquet Style
- 70 Classroom Style
- 200 Theatre Style
- 250 Conference Style
- 40 Hollow Square Style
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.
- 30,000 Sq. Ft.
- 144 Banquet Style
- 112 Classroom Style
- 216 Theatre Style
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!
- 70 Banquet Style
- 70 Conference Style
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.
- 90 Classroom Style
- 84 Theatre Style
- 40 Hollow Square Style
- Floorplan Layout
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.
- 112 Banquet Style
- 60 Classroom Style
- 160 Theatre Style
- 250 Conference Style
- Floorplan Layout
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.
- 60 Classroom Style
- 120 Theatre Style
- Floorplan Layout
Hawks Nest
Multipurpose space with lounge area featuring a small stage with LCD Monitors on back wall.
- 2,925 Sq. Ft.
- 85 Theatre Style
- 100 Conference Style
- Floorplan Layout
Jayhawk
Versatile meeting space adjacent to both the Big 12 Room and Parlors.
- 88 Banquet Style
- 65 Classroom Style
- 100 Theatre Style
- 175 Conference Style
- Floorplan Layout
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.
- 2450 Sq. Ft.
- 120 Banquet Style
- 99 Classroom Style
- 215 Theatre Style
- 200 Conference Style
- Floorplan Layout
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.
- 60 Banquet Style
- 39 Classroom Style
- 82 Theatre Style
- 60 Conference Style
- Floorplan Layout
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.
- 88 Banquet Style
- 50 Classroom Style
- 100 Theatre Style
- 88 Conference Style
- Floorplan Layout
Food & Beverage Options
South Dining Commons
Mrs. E's
The Market at the Kansas Union
Courtside Cafe at the DeBruce Center
The CoffeeHouse
Catering Options
KU Catering Services
Accommodations
Overnight Room Attributes
Oread Hotel
Featured Amenities
Sports Facilities
Venue Location + Transportation
Address
1301 Jayhawk Blvd.,
Floor 3; #327 & #335,
Lawrence, Kansas 66045
Transportation
Taxi
Bus
Lyft
Uber
Nearby Airport
Kansas City International- MCI - 60 minutes
Nearby International Airport
Kansas City International- MCI - 60 minutes
Parking
Parking on Site: Yes
Nearby Cities
Kansas City – 45 miles|Topeka – 30 miles|St. Louis – 300 miles
Things to Know
Catering
In-house catering available
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
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
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
Equipment Available On-Site:
- LCD Projectors
- Projector Screen
- Laptops
- Microphones
- Sound System
- Custom Lighting
