WHAT TO EXPECT AT COMMENCEMENT 2023

Commencement is only a few days away and we would like to help you prepare for your visit to CSU Pueblo.

GUEST PARKING

Expect heavy traffic as you approach CSU Pueblo and allow time to find parking and make your way to the stadium. Guests should take the Bonforte Boulevard entrance to campus if they are parking. Guests who are dropping off a graduate should take the Troy Avenue Exit and you will be directed to the graduate dropoff area.

Parking for guests is available in parking lots A-G, indicated on the map.

ADA-accessible shuttles will be available in all parking lots. Gates to the stadium will open at 7:30 a.m. Guests do not need a parking permit to park in lots A-G.

ADA ACCESSIBLE PARKING

Guests with handicapped parking plates or placards who wish to view the ceremony at the stadium should take the Troy Avenue exit and park in the parking lot to the west of the stadium. You must have a plate or placard to park in this area. If you wish to view the live feed of the ceremony from the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom, park in lot G on the map above.

AVAILABLE SEATING AND STADIUM CAPACITY

Currently, we have reached full capacity for Commencement. Although we had not initially planned to limit the number of guests, we, unfortunately, cannot distribute additional tickets at this time.

Tickets may become available as graduates return extra tickets, so check the ticketing site frequently (www.csupueblo.edu).

In the meantime, overflow seating is available in the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom and tickets can be reserved at www.csupueblo.edu.

Please be advised that the stadium seats 6,000 in the stands and additional seating is available on Thunderhill, in the chairs located on the top corridors of the stadium, and on the rooftop of the Leomiti Warrior Center (restricted view).

If you choose to sit on Thunderhill, you are welcome to bring your own blankets to sit on.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

STADIUM INFORMATION

• Colorado State University Pueblo is a smoke-free and vape-free campus. No smoking or vaping is allowed in campus buildings or in campus parking lots.
• To ensure the safety and security of all guests, degree candidates and staff are subject to search upon entry and will pass through a security checkpoint.
• Water and other concession items will be available for purchase inside the stadium.
• Animals are not allowed in the Thunderbowl unless they are service animals.
• All guests should be seated 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
• No bags, backpacks, or purses are allowed in the stadium. Clear 12x12x6 stadium bags are allowed inside. Diaper bags may be carried in but are subject to a security search.
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, can be taken into the arena in addition to a clear bag. Exceptions will also be made for medically necessary items after a proper search.
• Small umbrellas are allowed to provide shade and shelter for inclement weather.
• Strollers will not be allowed into the stadium bleachers, but a stroller parking area will be available to leave your stroller during the ceremony.
• Following the ceremony, we appreciate your patience as shuttle departures to the satellite parking areas and after-party locations may be delayed due to the large volume of guests departing and arriving at the same time.
• Shuttle services will begin at 6:30 a.m. Shuttles will run continuously, with the last shuttle departing the stadium at 1 p.m.
• Empty, refillable water bottles are allowed, and hydration stations will be available to fill water bottles inside the stadium. You may also bring one sealed bottle of water per guest into the stadium. No cases of water or outside food or beverage are allowed.

CELEBRATE! COMMENCEMENT AFTER PARTY

Join us on campus following Commencement for free food, giveaways, live music, building tours, selfie stations, and mimosas! Meet the Commencement speaker, Dana Perino, between noon and 12:45 p.m. in the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom foyer.

Show off your campus to your family and friends!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

How do I access the live feed of the ceremony?

The live feed of the ceremony will be shown at www.csupueblo.edu on Commencement Day.

How do I get tickets?

Guest tickets must be reserved by a graduate. Contact your graduate to obtain your digital or printed ticket.

How long will the ceremony last?

We are planning for a three-hour ceremony ending at 11:30 a.m.

How do I reserve handicapped and accessible tickets?

You do not need to reserve different tickets for handicapped-accessible seating. Accessible seating is available in the top row of the entire stadium, Notify an usher upon entry. We will also have seating available in the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom with a live feed of the ceremony if you prefer to sit indoors.

What if it rains or the weather is bad?

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly, as you would for a sporting event. Guests are allowed to bring a small umbrella into the stadium. The Commencement inclement weather plan can be found here.

Other questions?

Check the Registrar's website or Commencement website first, and if you still have questions, email commencement@csupueblo.edu.