Graduates must arrive at the arena and be fully gowned by 7 p.m. Please allow sufficient travel time. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will last approximately two-and-a-half hours.

Graduates will enter the arena at the lower level Media entrance near G-10 garage. Orange and white balloons will mark the entrance. On arrival, graduates will pick up their card at designated registration tables. The card will be used as the graduate crosses the stage.

Graduates and their guests may park free in university student parking areas throughout the campus but should avoid parking in staff parking areas. Learn more about parking for commencement.

Guests may enter the arena with one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. For more information, review Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center’s clear bag policy. The following items are PROHIBITED inside the arena:

• No aerosol cans
• no alcoholic beverages
• no illegal drugs
• no animals (except certified service dogs for disabled)
• no beach balls or other inflatables
• no bota bags
• no wine skins
• no bullhorns
• no noise makers
• no cameras*
• no recording devices*
• no confetti
• no fireworks
• no firearms
• no weapons
• no backpacks
• no glass bottles
• no aluminum cans
• no coolers
• no thermos containers
• no laser pointers
• no outside food or beverages (unless needed for medical purposes – must be checked at Gate D)
• no skateboards
• no roller blades
• no sticks or clubs
• no stools
• no folding chairs
• no water bottles/mugs
• no baby strollers or carriers
• no laptop computers
• no open umbrellas
• no knives or bladed devices of any length – this includes pocket knives

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in and on all university property, including in private vehicles when parked or operated on university property.

For more information on the security policy, contact the Thompson-Boling Arena management office at 865-974-0953.

*Camera/Recording Device policy varies per event. For more information on the security policy, contact the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center management office at 865-974-0953.

Doors will open for guest entry 2 hours before the beginning of each ceremony. The upper level gates will be open for guest entry.

There are currently no plans to require tickets for entry.

Guests are asked to bring as little as possible inside the venue with them. This will speed up the entry procedure and reduce chances of lines. The university’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Security screenings will be in place prior to entering the building. Food City Center is unable to store or secure prohibited items.

All graduates must register at the tables near the lower-level Media entrance near G-10 garage. You will receive an index card with your name. You must give the card to the Reader of Names to receive recognition upon crossing the stage.

As you approach the stage, you must have your name card with you. Adjacent to the stage is the Reader of Names. Please hand your name card to the Reader of Names and proceed on stage to accept congratulations from the dean of the college.

Graduates are required to return to their seat on the arena floor after crossing the stage and stay until the end. After all graduates have crossed the stage, graduates and guests will rise to sing the Alma Mater.

Graduates are encouraged to make a plan to meet up with their guests outside after the ceremony. No guests will be permitted on the arena floor at any time. Please exit the arena immediately to allow staff time to prepare for the next ceremony.