The Venue CU hosts corporate galas, team meetings, fundraisers, private parties and weddings for up to 400 guests in a theater layout, or 300 at dinner tables. The family-owned venue occupies a restored historic building at 51 Main Street, on the east end of downtown Champaign, Illinois, with over 10,000 square feet of event space.
Seminars and company events
For companies, the venue lists award galas, team meetings and holiday parties. The Varsity Ballroom takes keynotes, panels and presentations in theater rows for up to 400, or round tables for a dinner of up to 300, and its built-in professional sound system serves speeches and entertainment. The Main Street Lounge works as a separate room for receptions, executive meetings or breakout sessions of up to 100. Event planning support and flexible packages are offered, nonprofit fundraisers and community events are part of the regular calendar, and off-peak dates carry discounts.
Weddings and receptions
Wedding packages run in tiers from Silver to Diamond, with quotes on request. The ballroom sound system is set up for ceremonies as well as receptions, and the couple and their party get two private rooms for the day: the Bridal Suite, with natural light and a private bathroom, and the Groom's Room. Dogs are welcome, including as ring bearers. Bridal showers, milestone birthdays, reunions and celebrations of life are also hosted.
Rooms and capacities
The Varsity Ballroom is the main hall, with original 1906 tin ceilings and vintage brick. It seats about 300 for dinner and holds 400 in an auditorium or theater setup, with a stage-compatible layout. The Main Street Lounge, for around 100 guests, has a restored 1930s soapstone bar and recreations of the original 1898 hand-laid tile floor, and suits cocktail hours or smaller gatherings. The Bridal Suite and the Groom's Room serve as getting-ready spaces.
Accommodation
The Flats offer six loft-style rentals for guests: four two-bedroom and two one-bedroom units, named Champagne Suite, Urban Vale, High Dive, Varsity Theater, Train Yard and Doctor's Quarters. They are booked through Lodgify. A Hyatt hotel is also close by downtown.
Catering
The venue has an open vendor policy. Organizers can bring their own caterer, florist, photographer and other suppliers, or choose from the venue's list, and no all-inclusive package is required. Outside caterers need a current Health Department certification to use the licensed warming kitchen. Food trucks appear among the vendor categories, along with cakes, bar staff options, musicians and DJs.
History and setting
The restoration of the 1898 tiles and the 1906 tin ceilings was carried out with state and federal historians, and the brick walls have been updated rather than covered. The building sits in downtown Champaign, within walking distance of restaurants and entertainment. Greg, Dan and Miranda own and run the venue.
Getting there
Parking is available next to the building. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and site visits are by appointment.
