Host your next event on a historic campus.
From a 509-seat auditorium to a gymnasium for 1,600-plus, Allen University opens its spaces to churches, schools, nonprofits, families, and businesses for educational, cultural, and community events.
- 14Spaces to choose from
- 1,675Guests in our largest space
- 14 daysMinimum notice to request
- 50%Due when your contract is approved
Find the right room for your event.
Tell us how many guests you expect, or filter by size. Each space lists its capacity, rate, and the coordinator who can answer questions.
Showing all 14 spaces
- Large
John Hurst Adams Gymnasium
Athletics, banquets, graduations, and large gatherings.
- Capacity
- 1,675 standing · 782 seated at tables
- Rental rate
- $1,000 first 3 hrs · $150/hr after
Building coordinator: Stanley Cromartiescromartie@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5906 - Large
Chappelle Auditorium
Concerts, lectures, ceremonies, and performances in a historic hall.
- Capacity
- 509 total seats
- Rental rate
- $1,500 first 3 hrs · $250/hr after
Building coordinator: Ti Barnestbarnes@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5725 - Large
Cafeteria
Dinners, receptions, and community meals.
- Capacity
- 500+ seated
- Rental rate
- $500 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Paula Loveplove@allenuniversity.edu803-765-4671 - Large
Stage Room (Adams Gymnasium)
Receptions, rehearsals, and mid-size events.
- Capacity
- 392 standing · 182 seated at tables
- Rental rate
- $500 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Briana Harrisonbharrison@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5835 - Medium
Chappelle Gallery
Receptions, exhibits, and elegant gatherings.
- Capacity
- 300 seated
- Rental rate
- $500 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Ti Barnestbarnes@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5725 - Medium
Mattie Scott Conference Room
Meetings, trainings, and luncheons.
- Capacity
- 200 standing · 124 seated at tables
- Rental rate
- $500 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Marilyn Easonmeason@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5802 - Medium
J. S. Flipper Library (upstairs)
Book talks, forums, and receptions.
- Capacity
- 200 standing
- Rental rate
- $500–$750 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Carol Bowerscbowers@allenuniversity.edu803-765-6030 - Medium
Gibbs Lecture Room 101
Lectures, workshops, and presentations.
- Capacity
- 90 seated
- Rental rate
- $500 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Toni Muhammadtmuhammad@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5780 - Small
PWW Conference Room
Board meetings and small sessions.
- Capacity
- 30 seated
- Rental rate
- $500 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Marilyn Easonmeason@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5802 - Small
Classrooms
Trainings, tutoring, and test prep.
- Capacity
- 25+ seated
- Rental rate
- $150 first 4 hrs · $50/hr after
Building coordinator: Angelique Milesamiles@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5780 - Small
Green Room, Arnett Hall
Small meetings. Weekdays before 5:00 p.m. only.
- Capacity
- 20 seated
- Rental rate
- $500 first 3 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Mindy Hillmhill@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5725 - Outdoor
Grounds: Main Campus
Festivals, tailgates, and outdoor events.
- Capacity
- By square footage
- Rental rate
- $200–$1,000 first 4 hrs · $100/hr after
Building coordinator: Don Petersdepeters@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5756 - Outdoor
Grounds: Campus Mall
Outdoor markets and community events.
- Capacity
- By square footage
- Rental rate
- $200–$500 first 4 hrs · $50/hr after
Building coordinator: Don Petersdepeters@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5756 - Overnight
Residence Halls
Summer camps, conferences, and group stays.
- Capacity
- 500+ rooms
- Rental rate
- $51 per person, per day
Building coordinator: Dr. Andre S. Richardsonasrichardson@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5933
No single indoor space fits that many guests. Ask about the Main Campus grounds, or call the Bursar’s Office to talk through options.
Five steps to your event.
Plan ahead and give us the details up front. Complete requests move fastest.
- At least 14 days beforeSubmit your requestComplete one request form for each building, with a first and second choice of dates.
- After you submitUniversity reviewAn authorized University official reviews and approves every request. A request doesn’t guarantee a space.
- Once approvedContract & depositThe Business Office sends your contract. At least half the total cost is due on approval, and a damage deposit may be required.
- Before your eventInsurance & permitsSome events need a certificate of insurance. If you’re serving food or alcohol, you secure the required permits.
- Event daySet up & enjoyYour space is available one hour before and one hour after your event time.
Ready to request a space?
Download the External Facility Request Packet, complete the request form, and send it to the Bursar’s Office.
Please wait to advertise. No advertising or notice of your event can go out until your request is approved.
Everything else you might need.
Set-up, clean-up, security, and sound services are billed separately from the room rental. Once your event is approved, we’ll confirm what you need.
Need more tables or chairs than we have? You’re responsible for arranging and paying for a rental company.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Set-up (tables & chairs) | $400 flat fee |
| Curtains | $250 flat fee |
| Stage | $100 minimum |
| Clean-up | $75 per hour |
| Security | $55 per hour, per officer |
| Auditorium sound & lighting engineer (basic) | $25/hr first 3 hrs · $35/hr after |
| Auditorium A/V projection | $100 per hour |
| Chappelle Gallery sound system | $25 per hour |
| Advanced sound or lighting | Contact an outside vendor |
A few policies before you book.
- Mission fitSpaces are available on a space-available basis for educational, cultural, and recreational events. Allen may decline events outside the scope of its mission.
- Approval requiredEvery request must be approved by an authorized University official, and all payments go through the Business Office.
- InsuranceDepending on your event, a certificate of insurance may be required.
- DepositsAt least half the total cost is due when your contract is approved. A damage deposit may also be required.
- Food & alcoholYou’re responsible for any required permits. Alcohol may not be served at events where students or minors are present.
- ChangesAllen reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or alter any event as necessary.
Questions, answered.
How far ahead should I request a space?
At least 14 days before your event. Earlier is better, especially for weekends and large spaces.
Does submitting a request reserve the space?
No. A request doesn’t guarantee the space or any service. Your booking is confirmed once it’s approved and your contract is in place.
How do I pay?
Make payments to Allen University and reference the facility you’re using. You can pay online through the University’s payment page.
Can I see the space before I book?
Contact the building coordinator listed on the space’s card to ask about a walkthrough.
Can I bring my own caterer?
Ask about food service on your request form. If you serve food or alcohol, you’re responsible for the required permits.
Do I need Campus Police at my event?
Some events require security. Officers are $55 per hour each, and the request form asks whether you need them.
Bring your community to the Yard.
Celebrations, conferences, worship services, and camps have found a home at Allen since 1870. Yours can too.
Chassedy Hamlin
Student Accounts / Bursar · 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204
chamlin@allenuniversity.edu803-376-6029