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University of Montana

32 Campus Dr., University Center, Room 340, Missoula, Montana 59812
5000 Guests

Event Types Welcomed

Adult Social Events
Corporate Social Events
Expo/Competitions
Family Reunions
Professional Meeting / Training / Conference / Retreats
Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Youth Parties
Youth Retreat/Camps

About

Nestled at the foot of Mount Sentinel and adjacent to the Clark Fork River, there is the historic University of Montana. UM is perfectly equipped to host an unforgettable private event, with 74,200 square feet of dedicated exhibit space for conferences, trainings, tradeshows, weddings, or retreats. UM has welcomed countless government organizations, nonprofits, businesses, athletic groups, youth groups and religious groups to experience its beauty and charm.

The University of Montana has a wide range of venues and versatile meeting spaces on campus. Intimate meeting rooms for breakout sessions, classrooms decked out with state-of-the-art technology, outdoor patios and balconies, atriums, amphitheaters, and even a grand ballroom with hardwood floors and sweeping mountain views to provide the perfect setting for your engagements.

When looking for an event venue, we realize flexibility is key as well. University of Montana’s one-stop shop model means that you can choose from a wide selection of resources and services, all with a focus on sustainability. Award winning UM Caterers work with local Missoula area farmers to craft menus for anything from small continental breakfast gatherings to elegant gala banquets seating thousands.

Event Parking, transportation and security are all readily available. Our University of Montana Conference Planning Services can help with budget development, marketing, and continuing education credits. Seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art display, audio and visual technology into your event with the help of onsite technicians. UM is also within walking distance of local Missoula hotels and UM’s residence halls can accommodate large groups or individuals in the summer at very affordable rates, making it the perfect wedding venue for parties of all sizes. Something exciting is always happening on campus and concerts, art galleries, plays and readings are all open for guests. If you want to explore the outdoors instead, the University of Montana Outdoor Program can craft virtually any teambuilding or adventure trip, from white water rafting down the Alberton Gorge to guided mountain hikes. Impress your guests and book your event at the breathtaking University of Montana campus in Missoula, Montana!

Meeting & Event Spaces

Max Capacity: 5000 Guests
Largest Classroom Style: 500
Largest Theatre Style: 5000
Largest Auditorium Seating: 5000
Largest Seated Reception: 450
Largest Standing Reception: 800

Ballroom

At 10,437 square feet, the University Center houses one of the largest ballrooms in Missoula. The ballroom boasts beautiful hardwood floors, floor to ceiling windows and 16' high ceiling. Divisible by a soundproof air wall, the ballroom can be divided in half from North to South. The ballroom is ideal for banquets, weddings, tradeshows, conferences, small concerts, etc.
  • 10437 Sq. Ft.
  • 700 Banquet Style
  • 400 Classroom Style
  • 1000 Theatre Style
  • 60 Hollow Square Style

Third Floor Conference Rooms

The entire third floor of the University Center is dedicated conference, event and meeting space. In addition to window views of majestic mountains, our meeting rooms offer flexible room configurations with soundproof dividers, variable lighting, public address systems, data port, Internet connection, and multi-media capabilities.
  • 700 Sq. Ft.
  • 27 Classroom Style
  • 45 Theatre Style
  • 20 Conference Style
  • 28 Hollow Square Style

Alumni Boardroom

The Alumni Boardroom is a beautiful, comfortable room preset with a large table and cushy, boardroom chairs. Like the break-out rooms, the Alumni Boardroom offers Internet connection and multi-media capabilities.
  • 700 Sq. Ft.
  • 18 Conference Style

University Center Theater

The University Center houses a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose theater. The UC Theater has multi-media capabilities ranging from LCD displays, satellite downlink, 35 and 16mm films, DVD and VHS viewings all on a cinema theater screen along with surround sound. With capacity for 300 persons, the theater is ideal for general sessions, guest speakers, films, PowerPoint or any special presentation.
  • 2835 Sq. Ft.
  • 300 Theatre Style

Atrium

True to our love of the outdoors, the University Center Atrium offers beautiful gardens in the building. They offer your group a unique setting and gathering place. Located on the first floor, the Atrium can be reserved by groups for small receptions and in-door barbecues. During the academic semesters, the Atrium is utilized by student groups for table displays, noon speakers, and small concerts. Holds 140 people for receptions.
  • 600 Sq. Ft.

Second Floor Meeting Rooms

If you have a small group or need additional breakout space, the second floor offers six additional meeting rooms. Each room has a permanent meeting table and chairs along with a large white board and featured artwork on the walls.
  • 378 Sq. Ft.
  • 16 Classroom Style

UC Commons

The UC Commons, located on the 2nd floor, offers another large space for banquets or tradeshows when school is not in session. The UC Commons features full length windows overlooking the Library Mall as well as pillars draped in live plants. The room is easily transformed in to an elegant room that can hold up to 500 guests.
  • 9,424 Sq. Ft.
  • 500 Banquet Style
  • 200 Classroom Style

Grand Foyer

Central to all of the conference areas and overlooking the indoor gardens, the Grand Foyer can be utilized to meet your specific meeting needs. Use it for a central registration area, reception, snack and networking area, or for a small trade show.

Conference Center

The University Center (UC) is home to a dedicated Conference Center. With a ballroom, grand foyer, theater, an executive board room, atrium and eleven other meeting rooms, the Conference Center can accommodate large conferences, trade shows, banquets, trainings, parties, weddings, and special events.

The Gallagher Business Building

Professional, expansive, and decked out with over two million dollars worth of technology, the Gallagher Business Building at UM has accessible classrooms, conference rooms, lecture halls and even a sunny piazza available to host your next event.

Stadium Club

Perched high over the Washington-Grizzly Stadium, the Stadium Club is a unique, mid-size venue with 360 degree views of Missoula. From gargantuan windows facing both east and west, you can watch a kayaker rush down the Hellgate Canyon or a brilliant sunset over The Washington-Grizzly Stadium. An expansive wrap-around deck can be used for outdoor seating, dancing, or a welcome area. With ambient lighting, vaulted ceilings, a kitchen, bar and a choice of bistro, cocktail or round dinner tables, this venue can be customized to accommodate events ranging from a casual business meeting to a formal dinner or dance.

Schreiber Gymnasium

Schrieber Gymnasium, built in 1921, is one of the oldest buildings on campus. Windows, high ceilings, and wood floors make it a great practice space for athletic groups or a unique, historical space to hold a special event. Spacious, modern locker rooms are available. Economical and close to convenient parking.

Don Anderson Hall

Don Anderson Hall, home of the School of Journalism at UM, is a modern and dynamic building with unique spaces for large groups or break out sessions, including The A.B. Guthrie Reading Room, The Native American Journalism Center, classrooms and lecture halls, conference rooms, and an outdoor balcony. Most rooms are equipped with state of the art technology and have capacities ranging from 8 to 50.

Phyllis J. Washington College of Education

With an expansive, tri-leveled atrium shaded by old-growth pine trees, the addition to the College of Education is modern and comfortable. State of the art technology in classrooms and a balcony overlooking campus and Mount Sentinel make this an ideal setting for professional workshops and conferences. Along with wireless, a computer and projector in every room, multiple spaces also include polycom, projectors, smartboards at flatscreen TVs.

Payne Family Native American Center

LEED Certified and artfully designed, the Payne Family Native American Center is a dynamic building, with gathering spaces that are both visually interesting and equipped with the latest learning technology. Three stories include classrooms, conference rooms, a seminar room, the rotunda, a fire pit, and even a planetarium.

Bonnie Heavy Runner Gathering Place

The Bonnie Heavy Runner Gathering Place is an airy, open rotunda with wood floors and windows spanning the entire height of the first two stories. Representing the twelve tribes in Montana, the rotunda has twelve sides, each with its own piece of corresponding art. The distinctive shape of the rotunda, with its sloped ceiling and spiraling woodwork, is designed to replicate versions of home for indigenous people across the continent.

Storytelling Area

Circular seating around a fire pit and an encompassing view of Mount Sentinel make this a peaceful setting for outdoor gatherings. The Storytelling area is nestled within a native garden, beside tee-pee rings marking an historic Salish encampment.

Stargazing Room

Built for use as a planetarium, this dome-shaped room could also be used as an interesting space for small meetings.

Stargazing Room

Built for use as a planetarium, this dome-shaped room could also be used as an interesting space for small meetings.

Adams Center

A premier arena and two auxiliary gyms able to accommodate concerts, family shows, exhibitions, trade shows, receptions, banquets, conferences and much more. The Max and Betty Swanson Sky Club, perched over the arena and with a wet bar, is perfect for gatherings and special events up to 200 people.

Lubrecht Experimental Forest

An outdoor classroom and recreational retreat with a conference center, pavilion, lodge and range of lodging options. Just 40 minutes from Missoula, enjoy 28,000 wooded acres in the Blackfoot River Valley. Horse shoe pits, volley ball, ping-pong and 25+ miles of trails for hiking and skiing. A conference center, pavilion, lodge, apartment, cabins and boxcars are available for rent.

Food & Beverage Options

Food Zoo

We offer the best value per meal, and you can't beat the variety of nutritious, self-serve, buffet-style meals with unlimited seconds! There is an ever-changing choice of entrees, homemade soups, an extensive salad bar, fresh fruits, fresh baked desserts, traditional fast food favorites, and a daily vegetarian selection including vegan options. http://life.umt.edu/dining/where_to_eat/food_zoo.php

Cascade Country Store

The Cascade Country Store opens for breakfast with hot food specials, cereals, pastries, coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, beverages and the ever popular breakfast burrito. Located in the Lommasson Center, The Cascade Country Store boasts a food court style atmosphere offering Barrel Head Pizza, Grizzly Grille favorites, Old El Paso Cafe, Block and Barrel Deli, a wide variety of health and beauty aids, groceries, and delicious Bear Claw Bakery desserts and pastries. http://life.umt.edu/dining/where_to_eat/cascade_country.php

UC Food Court

The UC Food Court is a contemporary style food court that features breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches, Bear Claw Bakery pastries, cereals, coffee and beverages. Lunch options include Pizza Hut, Wing Street, Mark Pi's, Garden City Greens, Casa Nina, Doc's Sandwich Shop, Soups N Such, and Eson Gib-Sushi. http://life.umt.edu/dining/where_to_eat/uc_food_court.php

Coffee and baked goods

Jus Chill'n, The Bear Claw Bakery, La Peak, Recess, Think Tank, and Biz Buzz are some of the various campus options for local coffee and espresso, baked goods, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, bagels, cookies, and smoothies.

UC Market

UC Market is a not for profit organization that is owned by students and faculty. We pride ourselves on low prices and great customer service. Stop by for the cheapest goods anywhere in Western Montana and enjoy some great music at the same time!

Banquet or Receptions

In any banquet space, such as the UC Ballroom, Payne Native American Center, Stadium Club, or Sky Box, UM Catering can create a unique and original dining space with a menu carefully crafted for your event.

Catering Options

University Catering Services

Responsible for all campus food and beverage needs, University Catering Services invites you to take advantage of award winning services reserved exclusively for UM guests. We will provide you with specialized menu planning, cuisine prepared from our onsite state of the are kitchen, professional event management and exception service. Visit University Catering's Website: http://life.umt.edu/dining/catering/

UM Farm to College

University Dining Services and four UM graduate students teamed-up in the spring of 2003 to create the UM Farm to College Program, dedicated to buying more food locally to feed the campus community. http://life.umt.edu/dining/farm_to_college/default.php

Accommodations

  • Number of Overnight Rooms: 1800
Overnight Room Attributes
  • Linens Provided
  • Microwave
  • WiFi

Residence Halls

There are 9 different residence halls available on campus. Each room contains two twin beds. Cable TV and internet access are available in the rooms. Visit Residence Life's website at http://life.umt.edu/rlo/.
2 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

DoubleTree

The Doubletree Hotel Missoula Edgewater is the Premier Choice for Missoula lodging. Featuring impressively spacious guest rooms, a rich selection of amenities and a refreshing view of the historic Clark Fork River, Hellgate Canyon and Mount Sentinel.

Destination Missoula

Missoula, the "Garden City" is known as the state's cultural center. There are countless activities, events and historical places to Explore. Visit Destination Missoula's website at http://www.missoulacvb.org.

Holiday Inn

The ideal choice among Missoula hotels, the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown offers comfortable accommodations in a prime location. Leisure guests and business travelers will enjoy our modern hotel services, including our indoor hotel pool, sauna and hot tub. Visit our extensive on-site fitness center or our full-service, 24 hour business center, and our popular hotel restaurant, Brooks & Browns. As a pet friendly Missoula hotel; we feature pet-free floors for our guests with allergies. All rooms are smoke-free.

This accommodation has A/C

Featured Amenities

Accessible Facilities
Bus
Eco-Friendly
Fitness Center
Golf
In-House Catering
Linens
Near Public Transit
Outdoor Space
Overnight Rooms
Paid Parking
Taxi
Theater Seating
WiFi

Venue Location + Transportation

Address

32 Campus Dr.,

University Center, Room 340,

Missoula, Montana 59812

Transportation

Taxi
Bus
Lyft
Uber

Nearby Airport

Missoula International - 12 minutes

Nearby International Airport

Missoula International - 12 minutes

Parking

Parking on Site: Yes

Nearby Cities

Missoula – 1|Spokane, WA – 200

Things to Know

Catering

Must Use In-House Catering: Yes

External Catering Allowed: No

Can Bring In Own Food: No

Cultural Catering Available: Yes

Venue Policies

Alcohol Consumption: Yes

Smoking Permitted: No

Eco Friendly: Yes

ADA Accessible: Yes

Technology

The University of Montana offers full audio & lighting production, on-site technical staff, data-ports, video conferencing, multi-media theater w/surround sound and PowerPoint projection, DVD, blu-ray, and digital links.

Guest Wi-Fi: Free

Onsite Tech Support: Yes

Wi-Fi In Meeting Space: Yes

Equipment Available On-Site:
  • Projector Screen

Testimonials

Have you previously hosted a conference elsewhere and had a different experience?

I have hosted other fundraisers in other locations in Missoula, other than the University Center (not with Five Valleys, but other organizations). The UC’s commitment to clean, streamlined, modern event hosting is a breath of fresh air. Other locations, especially in our area, get stuck in the decade they were built in. Not so at the UC. They have a versatile, open layout with helpful, flexible staff; up-to-date AV and tech; and UC Catering provides a well-run, well-organized catering service that consistently delivers meals that are delicious, interesting and planned with intention.

What was the best thing about hosting your event at the University Center?

The best thing about hosting an event at the UC is that I know all our needs are taken care of. The UC removes the worry about the details, as I know they have all the details well in hand. From the table layouts to catering and from lighting to snacks for our volunteers, I feel as if I have a partnership with the UC, rather than a business arrangement. They understand our organization, our event, and our needs and they rise to the occasion.

What are three other benefits that they’ve enjoyed as a result of hosting your event at the UC?

1) Hosting through the UC allows us to plan the event we want, rather than the event that will fit into the space. Our close relationship with the UC and their easy communication ensures that if we have last minute changes, challenging set-ups or sold-out crowds that we will be hosted comfortably.

2) The UC is well set up for hosting a big event. From allowing us to use the service elevators to set up, to having handicap-accessible entrances for our guests, to on-site catering. And it’s all tied up with a convenient location. The UC really is a one-stop destination for a great event.

3) Working with the UC staff is a pleasure. Karen is friendly, helpful and earnest when it comes to nailing down the details, and Ryan is organized and flexible when it comes to catering. But it’s not just the managers. The whole staff—the courteous catering staff, the knowledgeable AV/tech support, and the general set up crew—are all welcoming and help attend to any need we might have.

What would you say to anyone considering hosting an event like yours at the UC, and would you recommend it?

I would say to contact them yesterday! Everyone in town knows that the UC’s calendar fills up fast—not only because it’s at the University of Montana, but because they are so good at what they do. I would absolutely recommend the UC to anyone wanting to host an event in the Missoula area.

Thanks again, Karen!

Lena
  

Lena Viall - Five Valleys Land Trust

After a less than ideal event at another venue in the area, we decided to look into some other options for location and services for our largest fundraiser of the year. After our first meeting with the event staff at the University of Montana we knew we had found the perfect venue. Every step of the way we were treated as if we were the only client with exceptional service, guidance and professionalism.

From the prompt responses to last minute questions, to the flexibly with our menu options we truly could not have asked for a better event. The staff at Montana Event Services, UC is on top of every detail, leaving us with little to worry about when the big day approached.

While the food and venue itself were exceptional, we were most impressed with the value. Not only was our event more affordable than years past, but we came in well under budget – a must for area nonprofits like us!

We would encourage anyone looking to take the chaos and the unknowns out of their event planning to book with Montana Event Services, UC. You will not be disappointed!
 

Emily Adamson - Humane Society of Western Montana

I cannot say enough great things about the event services at the University Center. The staff was professional, prompt and friendly. The food was delicious. I greatly appreciated the ability to do a food tasting prior to the event. It was extremely convenient to have all the supplies and decor for my event in one place.

Chrissy Roberts - Planned Parenthood

Services

Parking, Security, Transportation

Montana Event Services can work with UM Public Safety to save parking spots or coordinate transportation with a focus on convenience. The Bolt! Line Bus is zero-fare and connects UM to downtown every fifteen minutes. Choose from levels of security, from traffic control to uniformed officers.

Technology

Audio and Lighting

UC Audio & Lighting assists events at The University of Montana with sound reinforcement, lighting, concert and theater rigging, and stage/event management. From intimate settings to large concerts, we have the equipment and staff to handle a wide range of events. Our experienced staff provides planning and technical advice every step of the way