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Be Our Guest

Maybe you're planning a nationally televised debate, or maybe you just need a quiet place to write. Whatever your need, we want to be a resource for you. Take a look through our rooms—they're all centrally located on our campus in Des Moines.

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Sheslow Auditorium
Room Details
Capacity
773
Room Type
Performance Space
Location
Old Main
Capabilities
Projector
Projector
Screen
Screen
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Filter Room Capacity:
Featured Event Space

Parents Hall

This large room can be subdivided by an air wall to reduce capacity to 296 or 371. It's perfect for candidate events, media events, and caucus night celebrations.

Room Details
Capacity
704
Room Type
Conference, Lecture, or Banquet Space
Location
Olmsted Student Center
Capabilities
Projector
Projector
Screen
Screen
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
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Featured Event Space

Sussman Theatre

An auditorium with stadium-style seating and a wall-sized projection screen.

Room Details
Capacity
230
Room Type
Performance or Lecture Space
Location
Olmsted Student Center
Capabilities
Projector
Projector
Screen
Screen
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Built-in Stage
Built-in Stage
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Featured Event Space

Pomerantz Stage

This stage is perfect for a small event.

Room Details
Capacity
150
Room Type
Performance or Lecture Space
Location
Olmsted Student Center
Capabilities
Projector
Projector
Screen
Screen
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Built-in Stage
Built-in Stage
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Featured Event Space

Shivers Hospitality Suite

A space in Drake's indoor sports arena with several televisions that can project separate or mirrored content.

Room Details
Capacity
250
Room Type
Conference or Reception Space
Location
The Knapp Center
Capabilities
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Televisions
Televisions
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Featured Event Space

Levitt Hall

This hall is conveniently located next to Sheslow Auditorium and often used in conjunction with events at that venue. It’s also been reserved as an event venue on its own.

Room Details
Capacity
96
Room Type
Conference, Reception, or Banquet Space
Location
Old Main
Capabilities
Projector
Projector
Screen
Screen
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
View the space
Featured Event Space

Cowles Library Reading Room

This easy-to-configure room with abundant natural light has been used for live focus group panels and candidate events.

Room Details
Capacity
150
Room Type
Conference or Reception Space
Location
Cowles Library, Second Floor
Capabilities
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
View the space
Featured Event Space

Turner Jazz Center

Intimate space with excellent acoustics has been used for candidate events, press conferences, and VIP events.

Room Details
Capacity
100
Room Type
Performance or Reception Space
Location
Fine Arts Center
Capabilities
Projector
Projector
Screen
Screen
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Built-in Stage
Built-in Stage
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Featured Event Space

Kern Commons

A large, indoor open space that can be reserved with or without furniture; Kern Commons has been used for campaign events and as a spin room.

Room Details
Capacity
150
Room Type
Conference, Lecture, or Reception Space
Location
Cartwright Hall, Second Floor
Capabilities
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
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Featured Event Space

The Knapp Center

Drake's indoor sports arena can be configured for 500 to 7,000 people.

Room Details
Capacity
6,000
Room Type
Arena
Location
The Knapp Center
Capabilities
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Video Boards
Video Boards
Retractable Seating
Retractable Seating
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Featured Event Space

Performing Arts Hall

This tiered theater has immobile seating. It has been used as a spin room and for candidate events.

Room Details
Capacity
400
Room Type
Performance or Lecture Space
Location
Fine Arts Center
Capabilities
Varying
Varying
View the space
General Purpose

Conference Spaces

Need a space for your campaign staff and supporters to meet? Looking for a war room for your production staff? Tell us your need and we'll do our best to help.

Room Details
Capacity
120
Room Type
Private Meeting Space
Capabilities
Varying
Varying
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General Purpose

Large Lecture Halls

Need a space with a stage and lecture-style seating? We have plenty of options. Tell us what you need and we’ll find the right space.

Room Details
Capacity
102
Room Type
Lecture Hall
Capabilities
Varying
Varying
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General Purpose

Small Meeting Spaces

We have almost limitless quiet places available throughout our campus. If you need a place for yourself or for a small group to work or meet, let us know and we'll provide you options.

Room Details
Capacity
25
Room Type
Private Meeting Space
Capabilities
Varying
Varying
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Featured Event Space

Meredith Hall Podcast Studio

Record in this newly renovated studio with comfortable, top-level audio recording booths.

Room Details
Capacity
6
Room Type
Recording Space
Location
Meredith Hall
Capabilities
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Soundproofing
Soundproofing
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Featured Event Space

Sheslow Auditorium

You've probably seen this room on TV. For several cycles networks and campaigns have chosen Sheslow for winning events.

Room Details
Capacity
773
Room Type
Performance Space
Location
Old Main
Capabilities
Projector
Projector
Screen
Screen
Wired Mics
Wired Mics
Wireless Mics
Wireless Mics
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
View the space

Make it Happen

Whatever your event needs, we’re here to be a helpful host. Let’s talk about your event wants and requirements and come up with a solution on the Drake campus.

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Contact Us

We have the capabilities to make your media or campaign event a success. Please complete this form to get started.

Thank You

We have received your email and will respond to you within 5 business days. If you are in need of more immediate assistance, please call us at 515-271-3119.

Thank you, John Krantz

Drake University is committed to an open and productive exchange of ideas, allowing free and informed discussion of political affairs. As a tax-exempt educational institution, Drake University does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate for public office.

Quick Links:
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Consult a Faculty Expert
Plan Your Visit
Media Resources
Drake Caucus (en-US)

2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Political Events: 515-271-3987
General University: 515-271-3119

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