Guests will be allowed to bring unopened bottles of water as well as empty containers to use at the several water refilling stations stationed around the Lawn. Bottled water will also be available for purchase at concession stands located on Central Grounds. Complimentary bottled water will be available in the graduating students’ assembly areas and in their seating section.
Complimentary bag check locations will be available in Monroe Hall, near the Garrett Hall entrance, and in a tent near Randall Hall on the East Lawn. Space is limited. Bag check locations will close at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All bags must be picked up by 2 p.m. Any bags not picked up will be taken to the University Police Department on Ivy Road.
Also not allowed: alcohol; animals, except service animals; noisemakers, balls, flying discs and similar items; flasks; folding chairs or stools; laser pointers; sticks, poles and sports equipment; tents; drones; weapons, fireworks and explosives. Umbrellas will be allowed, but guests are asked to be mindful of those sitting around them and not block the view of the stage.
Tickets will be required for all guests attending Final Exercises. Each graduate will receive six tickets for the Lawn ceremony. If severe weather forces the University to move the ceremony to John Paul Jones Arena, graduates will be limited to three guest tickets (these tickets have barcodes that will be scanned upon entry to the arena).
Graduates will receive tickets only for the day in which their school is participating. Graduates with a valid photo identification can pick up guest tickets from the UVA Bookstore between May 17 and May 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May 20, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and May 21, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Only the graduating student is permitted to pick up the tickets. Candidates for M.D., M.B.A., and J.D. degrees will receive their guest tickets at cap-and-gown pick-up in their respective schools.
Ushers will begin collecting tickets and seating guests each morning at 7 a.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. At 8:30 a.m., the center aisle of the Lawn will close in preparation for the procession. Guests needing to leave the Lawn must obtain a pass from an usher for re-entry.
The Valedictory and Final Exercises ceremonies will be livestreamed. Live broadcasts of Saturday’s and Sunday’s ceremonies will be shown indoors at the Alumni Hall Ballroom, 211 Emmet St. South; Culbreth Theater, 109 Culbreth Rd.; and Newcomb Hall’s ballroom and theater, 180 McCormick Rd. near the Central Grounds Parking Garage. Tickets are not required. Doors open at 7 a.m. All sites are wheelchair accessible and services to assist guests with disabilities will be provided.
For detailed information on parking and shuttle-bus service and maps, visit the Parking & Transportation website. For information on Finals Weekend, visit the Finals Weekend website.
