Our Venues
At the University of Lynchburg, we are pleased to offer a diverse portfolio of campus locations and off-campus sites for your next event, ranging from meetings and small gatherings to grand banquets. Choosing the ideal setting is crucial for setting the tone and ambiance, and our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
Drysdale Student Center
The Drysdale Student Center offers a variety of event spaces to suit your needs — from the East Room and West Room, which are ideal for larger gatherings with A/V access and flexible seating, to the more intimate Genworth Conference Room.
Burton Dining Hall can seat up to 400 guests, and outdoor-friendly areas, such as Ridgeway Commons and the Koudelka Balcony, provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual events, receptions, and socializing, with scenic campus views.
Hall Campus Center
Situated on the third floor of Hall Campus Center, the Memorial Ballroom can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers various seating and table arrangements. It features three projectors, three retractable projector screens, a stage for speakers, a computer, surround sound, and wired microphones. A large outdoor balcony wraps around the entire side and back of the building, offering a stunning view of the main campus entrance, the Drysdale Student Center, and Shellenberger Field.
Schewel Hall
Located in Schewel Hall, Sydnor Performance Hall accommodates up to 200 attendees. It is an excellent space for dance competitions, stage performances, and lectures. The space is equipped with stage lighting, wired microphones, surround sound, a projector, a retractable projector screen, and a computer. Classrooms throughout Schewel Hall offer convenient spaces for breakout sessions.
Snidow Chapel
Snidow Chapel, the spiritual heart of campus since 1966, seats up to 400 guests and features modern audio-visual capabilities, including a projector, microphones, and a retractable screen.
It houses a pipe organ and grand piano, and displays the two-sided “Saving Grace” art quilt. Aisle runners are welcome, and accessible restrooms are available in the narthex.
Pavilion and Sand Volleyball Court
Located behind Brewer Townhouse, this space features a large covered area with picnic tables and a sand volleyball court. While external catering is not permitted, bringing your own BBQ, cookout, or potluck is encouraged.
On-campus options, such as Domino’s, are available nearby. Alcohol must be booked and served through the University Catering service.
Claytor Nature Center
The Claytor Nature Center, 45 minutes from the University of Lynchburg at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, invites the public to explore its streams, wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, Big Otter River frontage, formal memorial gardens, hiking trails, campground, and amphitheater.
Signature facilities include the Belk Astronomical Observatory, featuring a 177-sq-ft dome, primary telescope, and observation deck; the 2,100-sq-ft, 16-bed Chandler Eco-Lodge, built with sustainable materials; a versatile seminar room with a scenic deck overlooking the wetlands; and the Husted Pavilion, equipped for classes, workshops, and picnics.
Cloverlea Farmhouse
The historic Cloverlea Farmhouse, dating back to the late 1780s, serves as the centerpiece of the Claytor Nature Center, offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Peaks of Otter.
Available for weddings, special events, and overnight lodging, the six-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home combines historic charm with modern amenities.
Nearby, the Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens feature beautifully landscaped plantings in honor of Mrs. Claytor, while surrounding nature trails, including the Bog Garden and Pine Forest Trails, invite exploration.
Historic Sandusky
Historic Sandusky, a registered Virginia Historic Landmark in Lynchburg and partner of the University of Lynchburg, preserves and interprets the stories of slavery, the Civil War, and 19th‑century American life while offering versatile event spaces.
Its museum classroom seats up to 35 (theater) or 18 (classroom) and includes A/V equipment and a kitchenette; the visitor center’s covered patio and courtyard suit intimate mixers with lighting, power, and restrooms; and the shaded rear lawn provides a picturesque setting for small outdoor receptions—all inviting guests to immerse their gatherings in local history.
Available Room Layouts
Many of our larger spaces, such as the Memorial Ballroom, the West Room, and the East Room, can accommodate a variety of layouts. We offer standard options and can explore customized layouts upon request.
