There is a brand new reception & event venue on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, for brides and grooms getting married at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart! Workmen were putting the finishing touches on Club Naimoli, located inside the Joyce Athletic and Convocation Center, when I was invited to tour through it yesterday. Amber, from Catering by Design led me through the event space, which can hold up to 350 guests, including a dance floor! Guests enter the Joyce Center through the newly renovated Gate 10, then ushered up to the event space via elevator. As you step off of the elevator, in front of you is a wall, covered in sapphire blues, with subtle, iconic images of Notre Dame. If need be, there is a coat check available. Walking into the main event space, I was first struck by the windows that overlook the campus, and the light that was streaming in from them. There is comfortable, overstuffed furniture that can be grouped together in various ways to create seating areas or a perhaps a ‘lounge’ area which made the room feel so inviting. State of the art flat panel television screens were mounted in various areas around the room. These can be used to run a slide show, video, or can be simply tuned into the television station of your choice. The space has custom ND themed tables and chairs (see photos), however, if you are planning to host your wedding reception there, this furniture can be removed, and replaced with tables that can host 8 guests, as well as banquet chairs. You can also bring in specialty rental chairs, i.e. chivari ballroom chairs, to compliment your event design.

There are two outside balcony areas, situated on either end of the space, that overlook the campus, providing views to the east, south and west. The space hosts hard wood floors, with gorgeous wood accents on the walls and around the bar area that give the room a warm feel. Another feature, on the wall/area opposite the windows, is the option to open up part of the wall, which then allows views into the arena – very cool!

If you are interested in this space, call Amber M. Pena, Sales Manager at Catering by Design – 574-631-7859. While the Club is not ‘officially’ open, Amber informed me that they have already booked two weddings! I’m so excited to have this new venue on campus! I see so many possibilities with regard to how the space might be used – Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding Receptions, Sunday After Brunches, Welcome Partys – to just name a few!! Isn’t it exciting?!!