Skip to main content

Rental Hours

Regular Hours
Monday-Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday-Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday CLOSED

No rentals during theatre performances.

For more information, please contact us at 816-325-7370.

Extended Hours with Fees
Monday-Thursday 8-10 pm
Friday-Saturday 5 pm-Midnight
Sunday 12-6 pm

Rental Rates

Non-Profit:

Space Minimum Fee Additional Hr. Fee Guaranteed Fee to Hold
Gymnasium - 4 hr. minimum $200 $50/hr. $150
Lobby* - 3 hr. minimum $90 $30/hr. $125
South Room - 3 hr. minimum $90 $30/hr. $125
4th Floor - 3 hr. minimum $90 $30/hr. $125
Kitchenette $10/hr. $25

*May require a gym rental, depending on type of event. May not be available to rent depending on other rentals and programs in the facility. 

Profit:

Space Minimum Fee Additional Hr. Fee Guaranteed Fee to Hold
Gymnasium - 4 hr. minimum $400 $100/hr. $150
Lobby* - 3 hr. minimum $120 $40/hr. $125
South Room - 3 hr. minimum $120 $40/hr. $125
4th Floor - 3 hr. minimum $120 $40/hr. $125
Kitchenette $10/hr. $25

*May require a gym rental, depending on type of event. May not be available to rent depending on other rentals and programs in the facility. 

Gymnasium Court Fees:

  • Guaranteed Fee to Hold is $150. The fee turns into the security deposit on the day of the game.
  • Non-profit practice games require a 2-hour minimum fee of $50. Additional hours cost $25/hr.
  • Non-profit athletic games or tournament require a 4-hour minimum fee of $200. Additional hours cost $50/hr.
  • Profit athletic games or tournament require a 4-hour minimum fee of $400. Additional hours cost $100/hr.

Rental Amenities

Equipment Fees
Kitchenette - refrigerator, freezer, warmer, microwave, ice machine  see rental fees
Kitchen carts to unload/load items. Limited availability. no charge
Rectangle tables* – 8 ft.   no charge
Rectangle tables* – 6 ft. (4th floor only)  no charge
Round tables* – 5 ft. diameter (gym only)  no charge
Folding chairs*  no charge
Projection screen $5
Sound system with microphone, Bluetooth capable (gym only)  $15/hr. plus $50 security deposit

*The number of tables and chairs already in each room is based on capacity. Moving any tables and chairs from other rooms is not allowed. Plan accordingly and bring any necessary equipment for your rental.  

  • Requests are processed on a first come, first serve basis. 
  • A non-refundable guaranteed fee to hold and a completed contract are required to secure a rental date. The fee is applied to and used as the security deposit on the day of the rental. The remainder of rental fees are due 30 days before the rental date. 
  • If the rental request is received less than 30 days before the date of interest, the renter must pay all deposits and fees at the same time. 
  • Renters must comply with all City of Independence ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the Sermon Center and its equipment. 
  • Anyone age 21 and over may request a rental space. The individual signing the contract is the person held responsible for all actions of the rental group and must personally be present and available throughout the entire rental period. Renters may designate alternate people to be in charge for check-in, during the rental and check-out if they are noted on the contract ahead of time.
  • For functions involving persons under the age of 21, a supervision ratio of 1 adult to 10 minors is required. 
  • For large functions, the city may require the renter to pay a fee for Independence police officers to be present. 
  • Time period indicated on the rental contract is the maximum time allowed for use of the rental space. Set up and take down/cleaning times must be included in the rental time.  
  • All decorations must be approved by city staff. If food is served, all tables must be covered. 
  • Clean-up is the responsibility of the renter and requires the space be left in the exact condition as upon arrival.
  • Volume of music used by rental groups will be at staff discretion. 
  • Liability insurance in the amount of $1.5 million naming the City of Independence as additionally insured is required for major party rental or private equipment including but not limited to inflatables such as bounce houses and mechanical contraptions. The renter must receive approval from the facility supervisor and then submit the insurance to city staff before the rental date. 
  • While using the Sermon Center, the renter agrees not to exclude anyone from participation/benefits of entry to the facility based on race, color, gender, age, religious affiliation, or national origin. 
  • No date changes are allowed less than 14 days before the rental date. 
  • Cancellation requests received less than 14 days before the rental date will result in 10% of rental fees.
  • Any cancellation will result in complete forfeiture of the guaranteed hold fee.  
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on premises without a permit.
  • Renters must complete an application for an alcohol permit with the facility supervisor. 
  • Alcohol permit deposit is $100. Payment is due at time of signing the application. 
  • Independence police officers are required at all events serving alcohol. An extra duty employment request is required. The renter is responsible for paying the security fees associated with hiring officers for their rental. 
  • Alcohol is not permitted during any events for persons under the age of 21.