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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.It’s nearly time for spring commencement, a day for graduates and their families to celebrate all the hard work and dedication it has taken to join the ranks of Pitt’s 340,000-plus esteemed alumni. And this year, the celebration is set to be bigger than ever.
This year’s University-wide undergraduate ceremony will be held Sunday, May 3, at 3:30 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Along with the new venue, there’s a surprise at the end of the ceremony — guests and graduates alike are asked to stay for the entire ceremony for this special finale and out of respect for all graduating students.
The setting may be different this year, but we have the information you need to ensure the day goes smoothly. Keep scrolling for tips on getting around the city, parking, photography, how to watch at home and more.
You can find all the latest updates for graduates and guests alike on Pitt’s commencement site. Plus, get timely information and live coverage when you follow @PittCommencement on Instagram.
Tickets
Tickets will be distributed on a rolling basis during the week of April 20 and must be claimed by Wednesday, April 29. If extra tickets become available, announcements will be shared on Instagram and the commencement website.
Guests must present mobile tickets for entry — paper tickets and screenshots will not be accepted. Find instructions on how to claim and transfer guest tickets.
Parking
All University parking garages and lots will be free and open to guests and graduates on commencement day. If you’re using the free shuttle service, the Soldiers and Sailors Garage is the closest lot.
Parking at Acrisure Stadium and on the North Shore will be limited on the day of commencement. Graduates and guests are encouraged to use the shuttle service or other public transit options.
Shuttle services
A free shuttle service will bring guests and grads back and forth between Acrisure Stadium and campus on commencement day. Buses will depart from University Place, near Nordenberg Hall, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and drop off at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum until one hour after the ceremony ends.
ADA accessible shuttles are available and will drop guests off at the accessible drop off site at Acrisure Stadium, which is on North Shore Drive outside of Gate A.
Pittsburgh Marathon and Pirates game
The May 3 ceremony coincides with the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, which starts in downtown at 7 a.m., as well as a Pittsburgh Pirates game, which begins at 1:35 p.m. at PNC Park on the city’s North Shore. While these events are not expected to impact the commencement ceremony, guests should anticipate increased traffic throughout the city.
Downtown road closures for the marathon will begin at noon on Friday, May 1, and continue through Sunday afternoon. Also note that some road closures from the NFL Draft will still be in effect around the stadium on the city’s North Shore.
Still need regalia?
Order online for in-store pick up at the University Store on Fifth. Direct shipping is also available. Check with the University Store for shipping rates and arrival times.
Also, Honors Cords are available for undergraduate degree recipients from all schools and colleges. Find your distribution location.
Entering Acrisure Stadium
Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive as doors open at 2 p.m. to allow ample time for seating. Guests may enter through Gates A and C.
Graduates should enter through Gate 6 only. Arrive fully dressed in regalia with your Name Announcement Card printed and in hand — this is your ticket to enter the venue. Graduates must arrive no later than 3 p.m. and be seated within their school by 3:15 p.m.
Seating
Guest seating is on a first come, first served basis. There is ample accessible seating along the back of every other section throughout the lower bowls of the stadium; ushers will be in place to help guests locate these areas. Seating platforms are designed to accommodate people using wheelchairs and one guest companion.
Security
To ensure a safe and efficient entry process, Acrisure Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy. Permitted items include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags smaller than 12-by-6-by-12 inches
- Non-clear, small purses and handbags that are 4.5-by-6.5 inches or smaller
- Diaper bags containing medically necessary items, after inspection at the gate
- Food of any kind that is contained in clear plastic bag
- Factory-sealed, plastic bottles of water or soft drinks 24 oz. or less in size
See the full list of dos and don’ts.
Weather
The ceremony will be held rain or shine, so watch the National Weather Service forecast and prepare accordingly. Umbrellas are allowed inside Acrisure Stadium but must be closed and put away while guests are seated, so raincoats and ponchos are also encouraged, as needed.
Livestream
For friends and family unable to attend in person, a livestream of the ceremony will be available on Pitt’s commencement site.
Photography
Professional photographers will capture each graduate’s moment on stage. Photos will be available for purchase from GradImages following the ceremony. There will also be photo pop-ups around the arena and the Pittsburgh campus for graduates and guests — don’t forget to take your picture with the Pitt Panther outside William Pitt Union.
Share your memories
Celebrate and share your graduate’s accomplishments on @PittOfficial social media channels by using #PittGrad and, of course, #H2P. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Photography by Tom Altany