Western Carolina University
Event Types Welcomed
Unique Venue Feature
Our location is a significant feature that makes for a unique experience for any group visiting our campus. Our guests can enjoy all types of exceptional outdoor adventures. Land-based activities like backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, rock climbing. And water-based activities like whitewater rafting, trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and river tubing. Because of our heavily forested environment and high elevation, our summer climate is very pleasing as well, ranging from 60’s at night to 80’s during the day with very little humidity. WCU also has our own outfitter and guide services for any number of trip programs as well as equipment rentals through BaseCamp Cullowhee. To put all this in perspective, Western Carolina University has been voted Top Adventure College by Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine the last six years.
About
Nestled in a scenic valley amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western Carolina University offers event venues and conference centers less than 25 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee Indian Reservation, tons of hiking, whitewater rafting, and great mountain exploration.
Western Carolina University encourages groups with an educational purpose to use our North Carolina event spaces. Groups and organizations that WCU works well with include but are not limited to band camps, athletic camps, nature and outdoor camps, youth organizations, religious organizations, and more. Whether your group is 200 or 2,000, we are excited about sharing our facilities and providing a first-rate experience for your next North Carolina event.
We invite you to visit Western Carolina University for a campus tour and to learn more about why our North Carolina venue is a perfect choice for your next event.
Read the latest news about WCU!:
WCU Named Top Adventure College
WCU’s Marching Band Opens Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
WCU Celebrates its 125th Anniversary
WCU Opens 400 Student Residence Hall
View our university website here: WCU Conference Services and Event Venues
Watch the videos above to learn more about our wonderful North Carolina event spaces and the many amenities that make Western Carolina University the premier venue in the Blue Ridge Mountain region.
Meeting & Event Spaces
Meetings and Conferences Program
WCU features an assortment of flexible meeting rooms, dining rooms, computer training labs, recreation spaces, theater spaces, and a large 8,000 seat multi-use arena.
In addition to our featured meeting locations listed below, a large variety of classrooms and lecture spaces are also available.
Cardinal Room
The Cardinal Room is preset for 45 people. Set up is flexible; can do classroom style for 60 people, and tables can be arranged in a variety of ways. Room Features: bulletin board, dry erase board, mounting display for flipchart paper, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: ceiling mounted wireless LCD projector/screen, overhead projector, conference phone and TV/VCR/DVD combo.
Catamount Room
The Catamount Room is preset for 50 people. Room Features: bulletin board, dry erase board, mounting display for flipchart paper, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options; and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: ceiling mounted wireless LCD projector/screen, overhead projector, conference phone, and TV/VCR/DVD combo.
Rogers Room
The Rogers Room is preset for 18 people. Room Features: bulletin board, dry erase board, mounting display for flipchart paper, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: ceiling mounted wireless LCD projector/screen, overhead projector, conference phone, and TV/VCR/DVD combo.
The Grand Room
The available setups for The Grand Room are Lecture Seating: 500 people; Banquet Seating: 225 people; Information Fair: 40 8' tables; and can be soft-partitioned for smaller meetings. Room Features: Grand Piano, stage, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: podium and microphone, sound system, LCD projector/screen, overhead projector, conference phone, and TV/VCR/DVD combo.
Illusions
Illusions is preset Dance Club style with small round tables and booths for 70. The available setups for Illusions are Lecture Seating: 100 (includes 80 chairs and 5 booths which seat 21 people); Banquet Seating: 80 (includes large and small round tables and 5 booths which seat 21 people). Room Features: stage, ceiling mounted speakers, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: podium and microphone, sound system, karaoke, LCD projector/screen, and overhead projector.
Patios at The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center
Two patios on the north side of The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center provide scenic outdoor settings for receptions, banquets, and other special events.
Concourse at The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center
The Concourse at The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center has approximately 25,500 square feet of usable space around the arena perimeter that can be set up in a variety of creative configurations.
The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center Main Arena
The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center arena floor has more than 17,000 square feet of usable space that can accommodate trade shows and other display events, banquets, receptions, and dances. The available setups for the main arena are flexible; it can be used in full or the stands can be partitioned off to accommodate for various size groups. Available setups include Concerts: 8,100; Sporting Events: 7,500; Theatrical Enclosure: 2,500; Lecture Enclosure: 500 or 1,500.
Hospitality Suite at The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center
The Hospitality Suite at The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center is available as two smaller rooms and one large room. The Hospitality Suite can comfortably accommodate up to 150 reception guests or 96 in a banquet setup. Room Features: wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible.
Auxiliary Gym at The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center
The Auxiliary Gym at The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center has more than 8,500 square feet of usable space that can accommodate smaller trade shows and other display events, banquets, receptions, and dances.
UC Multipurpose Room
The UC Multipurpose Room is a flexible space, with movable walls. It is available as two smaller rooms (A or B) and one large room; each small room is preset for 50. The available setups for The Multipurpose Room are Banquet Seating: 32/64 people; U-Shape Tables/Chairs: 25/45 people; Conference Square Seating: 35/45 people; Lecture Seating: 50/135 people. Room Features: bulletin board, dry erase board, mounting display for flipchart paper, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: ceiling mounted LCD projector/screen, overhead projector, and TV/VCR/DVD combo.
UC Theatre
The UC Theatre is preset for 170 people. Room Features: stage, wifi and ethernet hookup, 35 mm film projector, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: podium and microphone, sound system, ceiling mounted LCD projector/screen, overhead projector, and TV/VCR/DVD combo.
Blue Ridge Conference Room
The Blue Ridge Conference Room is a flexible space, with movable walls. It is available as three smaller rooms (A, B, or C), a combination of two rooms (AB or BC), or one large room. The available setups for the Blue Ridge Conference Room are Banquet Seating: 200 people; Theater Seating: 235 people; and Conference Square Seating. Room Features: stage, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: podium and microphone, sound system, ceiling mounted LCD projectors/screens, overhead projectors, conference phone, and TV/DVD/VCR combo.
John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center
The John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center is a 1,000-seat proscenium theater for music and theatrical performances. It boasts some of the best acoustics in the state. The center also houses the Star Lobby and Gallery Room for display and reception areas.
UC Lawn and Central Plaza
The UC Lawn is the site of some of our most well-known and large-scale events. It is also used for numerous fundraising events and information fairs throughout the entire year. Various set ups are available. The Central Plaza, commonly referred to as the Catafount, is a great place for large-scale events, but can also be used for a nice social gathering. The Central Plaza has amplification hookups and can have a stage setup for concerts, rallies, and much more.
The Picnic Area
The Picnic Area, located by the softball field, is the ideal place for events such as cookouts, outdoor meeting locations, and more. The picnic area includes a covered shelter (under which are picnic tables, a grill, and electrical outlets), a wide expanse of grassy lawn next to the creek with several more picnic tables placed around, and working restrooms.
The Black Box Theatre
Within the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, there is a fully-accessible Black Box Theatre. The Black Box Theatre has a fully sprung floor, four shure wireless microphones, 2 JBL ion speakers, 1 mackie 1604 mixer, 1 Marantz cd player, 1 podium, 3 ballet bars, as well as a wall of mirrors (which can be covered with curtains if need be). The Black Box Theatre can also accommodate any lighting needs required and obtain other equipment upon request. With various configurations, the Black Box Theatre can be used for a number of different occasions. These include various stage-and-audience options with a maximum audience capacity at 150, a plated dinner option with a maximum capacity of 140, and numerous other opportunities, such as dance classes and award ceremonies. The Black Box Theatre also functions as overflow for the proscenium theatre across the hall. With the Black Box Theatre, the only limitation is your imagination.
Dogwood Room
The Dogwood Room is preset boardroom style for 24 people. The other available setups for The Dogwood Room are U-Shape: 18 people; Classroom: 29 people; Theatre: 50 people. Room Features: bulletin board, dry erase board, mounting display for flipchart paper, wifi and ethernet hookup, dining services can provide a large array of dining options, and wheelchair accessible. Special Services & Tech Support Available: ceiling mounted wireless LCD projector/screen, overhead projector, and TV/VCR/DVD combo.
Food & Beverage Options
Courtyard Café
On campus food service is provided by Catamount Dining. A wide variety of food options abound in our 53,000 square foot Courtyard Café which features an all-you-care-to-eat venue offering a variety of stations from home cooking, to a Mongolian grill, full salad bar, pizza and pasta, deli, desserts, and grilled food. Make the meal that suits you by mixing and matching from stations to get the best of everything. It includes vegetarian and gluten free options, as well. We can also work with professional catering staff to select the menu for the perfect meal or meeting break.
Starbucks
Unique to the campus, Starbucks offers a full drink menu featuring hot or cold espresso creations, delicious brewed coffee, breakfast pastries, and delicious desserts! It’s warm coffee shop atmosphere makes it a great place to study and wait between classes. Starbucks has two convenient locations – Courtyard and Brown Hall. Starbucks has a partnership with catering.
Which Wich
Which Wich offers made-to-order sandwiches with a personal touch. You select a bag for the sandwich you desire and a red sharpie; then you are given the control and time you need to select the ingredients you want. Once the sandwich is ready, your name is called. Which Wich is located in the Courtyard Food Court. Which Wich has a partnership with catering.
Moe's Southwest Grill
New to the campus, Moe's Southwest Grill has a mission to bring the highest-quality ingredients to every guest. The menu is varied, including vegetarian options, lower-calorie choices, and gluten-friendly ingredients. Moe's Southwest Grill is located in the Courtyard Food Court. Currently catering does not work through Moe's Southwest Grill.
Panda Express
Panda Express offers many of its restaurant menu items, such as fried rice, orange chicken, egg rolls, and more. As a university campus is considered a nontraditional location, Panda Express works with the campus to create a menu to suit the interest of its constituents. Panda Express is located in the Courtyard Food Court. Currently catering does not work through Panda Express.
Freshens
Freshens prides itself on its mission of "healty eating, better living" and offers fresh, made-to-order crepes, salads, smoothies, ice cream and more. Located in the Convenience Store on the first floor in the Courtyard. Currently catering does not work through Freshens.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels boasts its ability to make fast food that doesn't taste that way. They specialize in made-to-order sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and gourmet coffee. Einstein Bros. Bagels is located in the University Center. Einstein Bros. Bagels has a partnership with catering.
Chick-fil-A
Conveniently located in the Courtyard, Chick-fil-A offers a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. You will find most items here that you would find at Chick-fil-A. Chicken nuggets, salads, waffle fries, the original chicken sandwich and more. Currently catering does not work through Chick-fil-A.
Chili’s
Located on the first floor of Noble Hall, Chili’s offers a full service menu and bar.
The Lodge at Brown Hall
On campus food service is provided by Catamount Dining. A wide variety of food options abound in our newest dining hall which features a great hall with fire place, spacious sitting area, private dining area with sound system and outdoor seating. The Lodge features an all you can eat one trip meal. It includes vegetarian and gluten free options, as well. We can also work with professional catering staff to select the menu for the perfect meal or meeting break.
Catering options
Catering Services
Catering Services at Western Carolina University is through Aramark, our campus dining services. Catering Services is pleased to help you plan your catered events. Our Sales Coordinator or the Catering Director will be happy to meet with you to discuss all aspects of your event. Visit the Catering Services page here!
Aramark offers box lunches or simple takeaways
Catering offers buffet-style meals or plated meals
Catering offers excellent dessert options
Many spaces have the ability to offer catering, such as our Grand Room
Fruit salads make a wonderful addition to many meals
Catering offers a number of healthy options
Accommodations
Overnight Room Attributes
Madison Hall
Madison Hall, a historic building converted into a comfortable and convenient meeting facility, offers forty guest rooms with all the amenities of a business-class hotel. Hall Features: private baths, a laundry room, vending machines, and an ice machine.
Norton Road Hall
Norton Road Hall has eight study areas, eight public kitchen lounge areas, a laundry room, and a vending machine room. Hall Features: large multipurpose room and an outside patio for grilling and sports activities.
Reynolds Hall
Reynolds Hall is designed on a suite system. Each suite is composed of two rooms that share a bathroom. Hall Features: main lobby, study lounges, a laundry room, vending machines, and a well-used, well-maintained sand volleyball pit in front of the building.
The Village
The Village is comprised of six buildings. Each building is made up of double rooms with a private bath. Hall Features: full kitchens with all appliances in each house; common living spaces with cable TV in each house; Commons Building with meeting space, a laundry room, and vending machines; and volleyball and basketball courts.
Albright Hall
Albright Hall has study areas and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. There is a great outdoor area behind the building which is used for grilling, concerts, and sports activities. Hall Features: main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby basketball court.
Benton Hall
Benton Hall has study areas and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. There is a great outdoor area behind the building which is used for grilling, concerts, and sports activities. Hall Features: main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby basketball court.
Harrill Hall
Harrill Hall is one of three high-rise residence halls on campus. Each of the nine floors is arranged into suites. Each suite consists of four residence hall rooms and a shared bathroom. Hall Features: LEED certified, main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a ping pong table, kitchenettes and study lounges on each floor, a laundry room, vending machines, and a basketball court behind the building.
Balsam Hall
Balsam Hall has seven study areas, seven public kitchen lounge areas, a laundry room, and a vending machine room.
Blue Ridge Hall
Blue Ridge Hall has seven study areas, seven public kitchen lounge areas, a laundry room, and a vending machine room.
Buchanan Hall
Buchanan Hall has a study area and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. Hall Features: main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a piano, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby sand volleyball court.
Central Drive Hall
Central Drive Hall has four study areas and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. Arranged in suite-style configuration, each suite consists of either four private rooms or two private rooms and one double room, as well as a shared bath and living area. The common living area is furnished with a couch, loveseat, television stand, and small lamp table. Hall Features: main lounge, a pool table, a community kitchen, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby basketball court.
Robertson Hall
Robertson Hall has double rooms which include a private bath and kitchenette. Hall Features: a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby sand volleyball court.
Noble Hall
Noble Hall is built on the site where several businesses were damaged in a fire in November of 2013. It was intentionally built as a mixed use facility to provide a new home to business like those that were displaced due to the fire. It is named in honor of the "Noble Nine" - the trustees of Cullowhee High School, chartered in 1891. The Noble Nine supported Western Carolina University's founder, Robert Lee Madison, in the development of the "Cullowhee Idea."
Featured Amenities
-
Accessible Facilities
-
Air Conditioning
-
Bus
-
Business Center
-
Fitness Center
-
In-House Catering
-
Laundry
-
Linens
-
Outdoor Space
-
Overnight Rooms
-
Paid Parking
-
Running Trails
-
Sports Facilities
-
Taxi
-
Theater Seating
-
WiFi
Venue Location + Transportation
Address
Department of Residential Living, 225 Brown Hall,
1 University Drive,
Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723
1 University Drive,
Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723
Transportation
-
Bus
-
Taxi
Nearby Airport
- Asheville Regional Airport; Asheville, NC - 60 minutes
Nearby International Airport
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport; Greer, SC - 120 minutes
Nearby Cities
Asheville – 50 miles
Charlotte – 165 miles
Greenville, SC – 105 miles
Gatlinburg, TN – 57 miles
Pigeon Forge, TN – 64 miles
Knoxville, TN – 120 miles
Atlanta, GA – 150 miles
Things to Know
Catering
- Must Use In-house Catering: Yes
- Food and Beverage Onsite: Yes
Technology
Western Carolina University offers a full range of audio/visual and multi-media capabilities. All meeting rooms and residence hall rooms have high-speed internet connections (or wireless connectivity). Computer labs, teleconferencing, and videoconferencing facilities are available.
- Guest Wi-Fi: Free
- Onsite Tech Support: Yes
-
Equipment Available On-Site:
- Projector Screen
Venue Policies
- Smoking Permitted: yes
- ADA Accessible: Yes
Testimonials
Services
Conference Services
The experienced conference staff at WCU can help take the headache out of planning your organization's next workshop, conference, symposium, or meeting of any size. We know planning an event and seeing it through to a successful conclusion can be daunting. The staff at WCU is ready to partner with you and offer our resources to help keep you on track. Services include: Event planning to create a project timeline and budget; Marketing support includes e-marketing and print capabilities (Print Services includes the design and printing of promotional materials, folding, collating and binding of materials, decals, banners, signage, name tags and copying services for event materials); Event website development including event registration.
Top Adventure College
WCU was voted the Number One Outdoor Adventure University in the Southeast by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, three years in a row. Being located in a thermal valley means that our summers are mild and provide great opportunities to enjoy all the activities that our mountain campus has to offer.
Base Camp Cullowhee
Our outdoor recreation program, Base Camp Cullowhee, can provide guided trips and activities including kayaking, white water rafting, paddle boarding, caving, rock climbing, hiking and backpacking. All programs are planned and executed by trained students and our professional guide staff. All staff are highly qualified and hold such certifications as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Swift Water Rescue, American Canoe Association Whitewater Instructor, CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, and more.
Kayaking
Base Camp Cullowhee can provide guided kayaking trips. WCU is close to many places to kayak, most notably the Nantahala River, the same used by the nationally- and internationally-recognized organization the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). All programs are planned and executed by trained students and our professional guide staff. All staff are highly qualified and hold such certifications as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Swift Water Rescue, American Canoe Association Whitewater Instructor, CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, and more.
White Water Rafting
Base Camp Cullowhee can provide guided white water rafting trips. There are many places to go rafting near WCU, such as the Tuckasegee River which runs alongside campus or the Nantahala River, the same used by the nationally and internationally-recognized organizations, the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). All programs are planned and executed by trained students and our professional guide staff. All staff are highly qualified and hold such certifications as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Swift Water Rescue, American Canoe Association Whitewater Instructor, CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, and more.
Paddle Boarding
Base Camp Cullowhee can provide guided paddle boarding trips. All programs are planned and executed by trained students and our professional guide staff. All staff are highly qualified and hold such certifications as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Swift Water Rescue, American Canoe Association Whitewater Instructor, CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, and more.
Hiking and Backpacking
Base Camp Cullowhee can provide guided hiking and backpacking trips all throughout Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. WCU also has a 7.2 mile hiking and mountain biking trail system within walking distance from campus. All programs led by Base Camp Cullowhee are planned and executed by trained students and our professional guide staff. All staff are highly qualified and hold such certifications as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Swift Water Rescue, American Canoe Association Whitewater Instructor, CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, and more.
Rock Climbing
Base Camp Cullowhee can provide guided trips to go rock climbing. Being in the mountain has its advantages, as there are many places to go rock climbing. All programs are planned and executed by trained students and our professional guide staff. All staff are highly qualified and hold such certifications as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Swift Water Rescue, American Canoe Association Whitewater Instructor, CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, and more.
Hammock it up on Campus!
In addition to all the campus recreation opportunities and guided trips offered through Base Camp Cullowhee, nestled between trees, WCU is the perfect campus to string up a hammock and relax.
Along with the natural locations to lounge back in your hammock, WCU now offers the first of it's kind, Electron Garden on the Green, a solar powered Eno Station. Learn more here!
Along with the natural locations to lounge back in your hammock, WCU now offers the first of it's kind, Electron Garden on the Green, a solar powered Eno Station. Learn more here!
Multi-use Athletic Fields
Among other things, our on campus recreation opportunities include several multi-use athletic fields, six indoor gymnasiums, and a large picnic facility with cook-out facilities (see Event Spaces for more).
Our 50-foot Tall Indoor Climbing Wall
Our on campus recreation opportunities are varied, including our 50 foot tall indoor climbing wall. Operated by Base Camp Cullowhee, this indoor climbing wall can be reserved for groups.
Caving
Base Camp Cullowhee can provide guided trips to Tennessee to go caving. All programs are planned and executed by trained students and our professional guide staff. All staff are highly qualified and hold such certifications as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Swift Water Rescue, American Canoe Association Whitewater Instructor, CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor, and more.
Mountain Biking
Our on campus recreation opportunities are varied, including our 7.2 mile hiking and mountain biking trail system within walking distance from campus.
Indoor Pool
Our on campus recreation opportunities are varied, including our indoor swimming pool operated by our Campus Recreation Center on campus. This pool can be reserved for groups for a number of water activities, such as water polo. Ask us about Pool Battleship!
Sand Volleyball Courts
On campus recreation opportunities include well-used and well-maintained outdoor sand volleyball courts.
Disc Golf
Our on campus recreation opportunities include a full disc golf course that is well-used and well-maintained.
Technology
Get A Quote
Western Carolina University
We Connect Unique People With Unique Spaces
MEET TO YOUR OWN DRUM
At Unique Venues, we believe that inherent inclusivity is at the core of being unique. We celebrate the notion that people gather for different reasons and that audiences are filled with humans of every race, gender expression, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, age, political leaning, and more.
FOR VENUES
FOR PLANNERS
© 2024 Unique Venues. All Rights Reserved.