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October 21-23, 2025 Minneapolis, MN

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McNamara Alumni Center

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Bridge2Food North America:
Welcome to the McNamara Alumni Center

Address: 200 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States

Situated on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus, the McNamara Alumni Center stands as a premier event venue, celebrated for its striking architecture and versatile event spaces. This 231,000-square-foot facility has been a preferred destination for conferences, corporate events, and special gatherings since 2000.

Featuring 10 uniquely designed meeting rooms, McNamara offers a stunning setting inspired by Minnesota’s natural landscapes, incorporating wood, water, and copper into its award-winning design. The venue has been recognized multiple times as the Best Meeting Venue by Minnesota Meetings & Events Magazine, reinforcing its reputation for excellence.

Conveniently positioned less than two miles from downtown Minneapolis, with easy access to Interstates 35W and 94, McNamara offers effortless accessibility. A 500-car parking ramp and a tunnel connection to the Graduate Minneapolis Hotel provide unmatched convenience for attendees.

With modern amenities, cutting-edge AV technology, and award-winning catering, the McNamara Alumni Center offers an exceptional venue for Bridge2Food North America, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful event experience.

Getting to the McNamara Alumni Center

By Car & Parking

Recommended Parking – Adjacent University Avenue Parking Ramp

  • Address: 1926 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • Rates: $3.00 per hour, max $13.00 per day
  • Payment: Cash and credit cards accepted
  • Access: Connected to the McNamara Alumni Center via a tunnel (use the East elevator to Tunnel B or street level)

Directions:

  • From I-35W (north or south): Take Exit #18 (4th St-University Ave).
  • Turn onto University Ave (one-way) and drive 9 blocks.
  • The parking ramp will be on the right side.
  • If heading to McNamara’s front circle drive, pass the ramp, drive one more block, and turn right onto Oak Street.

Other Parking Options

  • Front Entrance & Circle Drive:
    • Address: 200 Oak St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • Washington Avenue Parking Ramp:
    • Address: 501 SE Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • Oak Street Ramp:
    • Address: 401 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455

By Public Transport

Light Rail – Green Line

  • The Green Line stops at East Bank Station, just a short walk from the McNamara Alumni Center.
  • Located on Washington Ave, across from the Graduate Minneapolis hotel.
  • McNamara is just four stops from Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, offering a convenient connection from the city center.
  • For routes and green line schedules, please visit: Metro Transit.
Metro Area Bus
  • Several Metro Transit buses stop outside McNamara Alumni Center at Oak Street & Washington Avenue.
  • Routes: 2, 113, 114, 115, 465, 475
  • Stop IDs: 41248 (Southbound), 40278 (Northbound)
  • For routes and bus schedules, please visit: Metro Transit.

Inside McNamara: History and Architecture

McNamara
McNamara

An Award-Winning Architectural Landmark

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Antoine Predock, the McNamara Alumni Center reflects Minnesota’s natural beauty through its materials, form, and striking aesthetics. Inspired by the state’s lakes, the North Shore, the Iron Range, and the Northern Lights, Predock translated these elements into the building’s unique structure.

The granite-covered exterior, resembling a geode, is punctuated by star-shaped glass openings, mirroring Minnesota’s dramatic rock formations. Inside, the 85-foot-tall Memorial Hall is lined with six miles of warm-toned wood, creating a stunning yet welcoming atmosphere. A serene water feature and reflective pool add movement and tranquility, while 75,000 square feet of copper-clad walls give the center its distinctive visual identity.

Since its opening, the McNamara Alumni Center has received multiple architectural awards, recognized for its bold design, engineering excellence, and seamless connection to nature. It remains one of Minneapolis’ most sought-after event venues, providing a sophisticated setting for conferences, corporate events, and university celebrations.

More than just a venue, the McNamara Alumni Center is where bold architecture meets dynamic experiences, creating a space that captivates, inspires, and endures.

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