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.