If you are looking to plan a private or corporate event in downtown St. Petersburg, you may not be aware of one amazing venue that’s right outside your door! Take a moment to get to know the University Student Center at USF St. Pete.
Built 5 years ago, the student center is a hub for the students, but it is also a large and versatile complex, with many different spaces available to rent for any kind of conference or event you may have in mind. The venue has already hosted a wide array of impressive events, such as the Guy Harvey Conference, high school proms, St. Anthony’s Hospital’s fundraiser gala, the ITAM Review USA Annual conference, holiday parties, summer camps, weddings and business seminars, to name a few.
Catering is offered exclusively by the university’s onsite caterer, with a variety of menus to choose from. Their event packages also include just about anything you could possibly need for your gathering, including audio and visual equipment, technical support, tables, chairs, dance floors and stages.
Spaces to Fit Every Need
When it comes to choosing a space for your event, you have many different options available at the University Student Center. There are three main ballrooms, which can be used separately or together as one grand ballroom—we’re talking a total of 7,490 square feet!—as well as six additional indoor spaces for meetings and the like. Guests have access to parking (at a fee), Wi-Fi and campus security; not to mention close proximity to all that downtown St. Pete has to offer in terms of dining and entertainment.
If you love the outdoors, you will not be disappointed! The student center is nestled on Bayboro Harbor, which is lovingly maintained by the students at USFSP. It’s a serene backdrop offering picturesque views of the water, boats and nature—in other words, the perfect setting for photos.
This venue is a no-brainer for businesses in the community looking to combine team learning with team building. Available by request is a private pool, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes and sailboats. In addition to outdoor activities, during the summer they offer the extra amenity of 196 beds for your guests.
Weddings have become a very popular booking for the center as of late, which is not surprising with all that they have to offer. Couples have their choice of indoor and outdoor ceremony locations: down by the water; inside an intimate, plant-covered gazebo; or on stage in a grand ballroom, for example. There are just as many visually impressive spaces for cocktails and sit-down dinners.
A Sense of Community
Andy Dang, USFSP’s events coordinator, is proud to note that all of the revenue generated by facility rentals goes right back into maintaining and updating the building, and helping to keep the students’ fees down.
“This is their home away from home, a place to foster the development of our future leaders. Our vision is to see this become a thriving community center,” Dang said.
In the essence of promoting that sense of community, all USF alumni and alumni-owned businesses are extended a discount off the price of their event package.
Go ahead, plan your next big event at the University Student Center at USF St. Pete! The only limit is your imagination. Keep in mind the holiday season is officially upon us, so don’t waste any time to book your company’s holiday party. For more information visit www.usfsp.edu/usc/, or contact Dang directly at [email protected] or call 727-873-5180.