Where to Enter
- Families and guests enter at the top of the stairs or straight across from the West Stadium Parking Complex using standard entrances.
- Students enter from the lower level via the ticketing office entrance.
Commencement Ceremony Details
The Winter Commencement Ceremonies will be on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Lawlor Events Center at 1664 N Virginia St, Reno NV 89557 (Google Maps).
For specific times and colleges visit the commencement website.
Length of Ceremony
Each ceremony is expected to last approximately 2 ½ hours. When planning post-ceremony celebrations, please note that the recessional may occur earlier or later than the scheduled time. Locating graduates in the crowd after the ceremony can be challenging, so we recommend that you make plans beforehand to decide on a meeting place for after the ceremony.
Seating and Accessibility
Guests do not need tickets to attend the Winter Commencement ceremonies. There are no restrictions on the number of guests that graduates are allowed to bring. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the Lawlor Events Center will open one hour prior to the start of each ceremony.
Seating for individuals with disabilities is also available. Reservations are not required, the disabled seating area is on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate as many individuals with disabilities as we can, only ONE of your family members may sit with them.
Live stream
Both ceremonies will be live-streamed beginning 30 minutes prior to each ceremony for those unable to attend in person. The ceremonies will also be streamed to all monitors in the Joe Crowley Student Union Building on campus. The live stream will not be available to access once the ceremony ends.
Live stream recordings are available on the University's YouTube channel.
Security and Prohibited Items
All bags will be searched upon entering the Lawlor Events Center. Due to safety concerns and to minimize distractions, the following items are prohibited in the arena:
- Coolers and containers, including hydro flasks
- Signage of any kind
- Balloons
- Packages (e.g., gifts, boxes)
- Large umbrellas
- Tobacco and e-cigarettes
- No outside food or drinks
- Weapons
- Fireworks
- Noisemakers
Amenities
Food and beverages will be available for purchase at concession stands located inside the venue. Restrooms are located throughout the upper concourse of the Lawlor Events Center.
More information can be found on the Winter Commencement website.