Vital Information for Spring Commencement Attendees

Please print a PDF of this information with you to prepare for this memorable event. Graduates should share these details with their guests. Visit the University Commencement Web site for more information and to subscribe to RSS updates.

Arrival at the stadium at the time indicated on your ticket is vital. This will allow the thousands of guests attending this event time to clear security and enter the stadium before the 7 p.m. start of the ceremony. The pre-ceremony celebration will begin at 5 p.m. All guests will access the stadium through the North and Northeast sides of Sun Devil Stadium. Staggered arrival times are designed to keep everyone as comfortable as possible and are critical to managing the 71,000 people who plan to attend. Please prepare to wait up to 90 minutes to clear the security check points.

Getting to Sun Devil Stadium

Carpooling and public transportation is strongly encouraged.

• Light rail: The light rail system will be adding extra cars for this event. They offer free parking in their park and ride lots. The closest light rail stop to the security check points is at University Drive and Rural Road. Visit the Valley Metro light rail site for fare information and a map of the light rail system.
• Campus shuttles: Free shuttles for graduates, their guests, faculty and staff will run from the ASU West, Downtown Phoenix and Polytechnic campuses directly to Sun Devil Stadium. Guests will be dropped off by shuttles at a location close to both areas where security check points will queue.
• Carpooling: If you plan to drive to campus, please plan to carpool. Parking on and near the Tempe campus is extremely limited. Public transportation is an excellent alternative. Free parking is available in lots around the stadium and in most parking areas on campus. Parking will be restricted in residence halls and where special permits are required. Regular fees will be collected at meters and visitor lots.
• Please check the Parking and Transit Web site for new information.

Disabled parking will be available in the portion of Lot 59 located on the east side of Packard Drive and north of the Packard Drive South Structure. Vehicles must display a disabled placard or license plate. Commencement attendees who need disabled parking may look for posted signs, which will be monitored by university staff assisting with this event.

Street Closures:

• Veteran’s Way will be closed from Mill Avenue to University Drive, beginning at noon on May 13. The street will re-open at the end of the event. Surrounding streets will be closed for more limited periods.
• The most current information about street closures can be found on the Parking and Transit Web site.

Once You Arrive at Sun Devil Stadium

• Everyone must present a ticket in order to enter the stadium, regardless of their role in the ceremony.
• Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are strongly encouraged for everyone in your party.
• Water for everyone in your party is also strongly encouraged. Water bottles must be discarded when arriving at security check points. Complimentary water stations, along with concessions and restroom facilities, will be available outside and inside the stadium.
• There will be tenting outside the stadium in several locations as well as “cool zones” outside and inside the stadium. Complimentary fans will be handed out to all graduates and guests.
• Be prepared for temperatures in the low 100’s. Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated. Arizona native tip: Bring a small wet towel or handkerchief to keep on your neck and head to help keep your body temperature down.

Prepare to Clear Security

• In order to expedite everyone through security, please prepare to open your bags and empty your pockets.
• Please do not bring in any items if you are uncertain whether they are allowed. Confiscated items cannot be retrieved later as there is no secure location to hold items.
• Graduates must carry their caps and gowns with them to enter the stadium.
• Cameras, cell phones, MP3 players, binoculars, small tubes of sunscreen and other small comfort items will be allowed through security. Please check the list of prohibited items.