The Story Behind The Venue CU in Champaign, Illinois
The Venue CU is a family-owned event venue in the heart of downtown Champaign, offering over 10,000 square feet of beautifully restored industrial space. This premier venue pairs turn-of-the-century architecture with professional Pro Audio sound and six luxury loft rentals to deliver an authentic alternative to the standard corporate ballroom.
Our Ownership Team in Champaign, IL
Over 55 Years of Combined Experience Guiding Your Event
The ownership team behind The Venue CU brings more than 55 years of combined industry experience to every booking. Co-owner Greg Bugbee has spent 40 years in the wedding industry, building a trusted reputation through Bugbee DJ Plus. Dan and Miranda Church add more than 16 years of hands-on event experience, while Christine completes the close-knit team. Rather than simply providing a venue, they work alongside every client with personal attention and professional guidance. Couples and corporate planners across Champaign have come to rely on this team because of that foundation: real expertise, personal investment, and decades of hands-on experience.
Historic Venue Restoration in Downtown Champaign
A National Historic Landmark With a Living Legacy
The Venue CU is made up of multiple buildings that carry a National Historic Landmark Registry designation. Working alongside historians, the building has had an accurate restoration of the original 1898 hand-laid tiles and 1906 tin ceilings that once defined the Varsity Theater and the Vriner's Confectionery space. The historic venue restoration in Champaign extended to the Main Street Lounge, where a 1930s bar now serves as a backdrop to many events. Before becoming The Venue CU, the building was known to locals as Memphis on Main and the High Dive bar. The industrial aesthetic event space you see today is the product of meticulous work to honor that past while building a modern luxury venue.
Questions About The Venue CU
What Visitors Ask Most
Who owns and operates The Venue CU, and how long have they been in the event industry?
The Venue CU is owned and operated by Greg Bugbee, Dan and Miranda Church. In total, the ownership team has over 55 years of combined industry knowledge and experience.
What is the history of the building at 51 East Main Street in Champaign?
The buildings have housed several notable businesses over the decades, including Vriner's Confectionery, whose 1898 legacy is reflected in the restored hand-laid tile work still visible today. The address later became home to Memphis on Main and the High Dive bar, both known as live music destinations. The Varsity Theater also occupied part of the space, and its 1906 tin ceilings remain a defining feature of the Varsity Ballroom. The current ownership team worked with state and federal historians to restore these architectural details accurately as part of the transition to The Venue CU.Does The Venue CU require clients to use specific caterers or vendors?
The Venue CU has a preffered vendor list, but clients are welcome to bring in outside caterers and service providers. Contact us to learn more.
What awards and recognition has The Venue CU received?
The Venue CU has received consecutive People's Choice Awards from the News Gazette from 2021 through 2025, recognized across multiple categories including venue, convention center, and DJ services. The venue has also earned industry recognition from The Knot and Wedding Wire through their Best of Weddings programs. These honors reflect consistent client satisfaction over several years and support the team's standing as a premier downtown venue in the Champaign market.Are there on-site accommodations for wedding parties or out-of-town guests?
Yes. The Flats CU, located above The Venue CU, provides loft-style rental units. We welcome out-of-town event guests or those in need of short-term rentals to book their stay with us.
How many guests can the event spaces at The Venue CU accommodate?
Our venue can accommodate events for up to 400 people. This number varies based on the style of event, so please contact us to discuss your vision.
