Accessibility FAQs
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions about accessibility. Click on the question to reveal the answer. If you have a question that is not addressed on this website, contact the Diversity & Access Office.
- Where is the disabled parking lot at the stadium located?
Disability parking is located in the Track House Lot, near the Visitor Center. Please follow marked signage identifying a single point of entry to this lot via Galvez Street from El Camino and/or Campus Drive. Once inside the lot, proceed ahead and to the left to drop your guest off closest to Gate 4.
- I can’t walk long distances, what do I do?
A wheelchair shuttle service is available inside Gate 4 and can transport guests from the gate to their seating prior to Commencement and then to assist with getting from their seating area to Gate 4.
- Can I use the escort and wheelchair during the ceremony?
- Unfortunately, no. We will need the wheelchairs because the escorts will be assisting many people throughout the morning. However, if you need assistance before or after the main Commencement, the escorts will be happy to help you.
- Can your wheelchair escorts give me a ride to my car?
For safety reasons, we can only escort you as far as Gate 4, unless your vehicle is in the Track House Lot or the overflow parking at the Galvez Lot. If you are taking the shuttle, we can provide a ride to the Visitor Center.
- Where is the wheelchair seating?
Wheelchair seating is located in the lower bowl (Main Concourse) in Sections 101-125 and can be accessed via the tunnels. These sections are in full shade and are reserved for wheelchair users. Non-wheelchair users should be encouraged to sit in the mobility section below. Overflow wheelchair seating is also located in the upper bowl in Row V (full sun) of Sections 201-208 and 218-225 and can be accessed via the Plaza elevator located on the west side of the stadium. All seating is first come, first served. View detailed stadium map
- Where is the reserved / ticketed seating?
There is no reserved seating inside the Stadium.
- Can I sit in the wheelchair section with my family member who uses a wheelchair??
One companion seat is already available next to each wheelchair seat. If someone cannot sit in the mobility section, but does not have a wheelchair, then one companion can sit with them. We request that additional guests sit in the mobility section (Rows W and X) directly below.
- The wheelchair seating in the main concourse is full. What should I do?
There were several sections reserved for wheelchairs and their companion, and seating is first come, first serve. Overflow wheelchair seating is available in the upper bowl and is accessible via the elevator (located near Gate 4, Tunnel D). Additional wheelchair seating is available in Maples Pavilion with a live simulcast of the Stadium ceremony. Learn more about the Maples Pavilion Live Indoor Viewing
- Where is the mobility section, as someone in my party can’t climb too many stairs?
Mobility seating is located in the lower bowl Sections 101-125, Rows W and X. This seating section is located five steps down (with handrail) from the Main Concourse. This seating is first come, first serve and allows entire parties to sit together. If all mobility rows in the lower bowl are full, direct guests to the elevator (located near Gate 4, Tunnel D) to get to the upper bowl where additional seating is located. View detailed stadium map
- I can’t climb any stairs, but I don't have a wheelchair, where do I sit?
You may sit in the wheelchair seating, but with one companion only. Companion seating is available adjacent to wheelchair seating. We request that additional guests sit in the mobility section (Rows W and X) directly below. View detailed stadium map
- I can’t sit in the sun, can I use an umbrella, or where are shaded areas located?
Umbrellas are not permissible inside the stadium. Row X in Sections 101-125 is in partial or full shade. In addition, Sections 101-106 have partial to full shade in the last 7 rows. Maples Pavilion will host a live simulcast of the Stadium ceremony. This is an indoor and air-conditioned option. Learn more about the Maples Pavilion Live Indoor Viewing
- Can I sit in a regular seat and fold up my wheelchair or leave my scooter in the Concourse area?
We do not recommend that you leave wheelchairs/scooters unattended. We recommend that you leave the wheelchair/scooter in your car and utilize the wheelchair shuttle service located at Gate 4.
- Can you give me a ride/escort to the 12:30 diploma ceremony?
Guests with limited mobility are encouraged to drive to the diploma ceremony. Please complete the Disability-Related Accommodations Request form to get information to determine the closest drop-off location to the diploma ceremony and nearby parking.
- Are animals (pets, support animals, service animals) allowed at Commencement?
As a general rule, only service animals trained to perform a task for an individual with a disability are permitted at the Stadium for Commencement. Regrettably, pets and/or support animals are NOT permitted.
- I don’t hear very well. Do you have assistive listening devices?
Yes, assistive listening devices hooked up through the PA system are available at the Disability Information Table located outside Gate 4. Please be sure to return the device to the Disability Information Table before leaving the area. The ceremony will be broadcast live on KZSU 90.1 FM radio and a live video of the Ceremony (captioned) is available at https://commencement.stanford.edu/. Captioning is also available on the scoreboards at either end zone.
- Are Sign Language Interpreters being provided and if so, which section do I sit in?
To request sign language interpreters, please complete the Disability-Related Accommodations Request form by May 24.
- Where are the wheelchair accessible restrooms?
All restrooms throughout the Main Concourse and Upper Walkway are ADA accessible. View detailed stadium map
- Where is the family restroom?
A family restroom is located through the door beyond Guest Services in Section 104. View detailed stadium map
- Can I keep my stroller with me?
Due to safety regulations, no strollers are allowed inside the stadium. For your convenience, strollers may be checked at the complimentary bag check tent.
- I lost my purse. Is there a lost and found?
For lost items, visit the Stanford Athletics Lost and Found website. Found items may be turned in to any staff member, and the info tables, or at the Stadium Operations Office inside Gate 1.
- I’ve gotten split up from my relatives, what should I do?
The people at the Information Tables (outside Gates 2, 4, and 5) may be able to help you identify the location of the department ceremony (12:30 pm) where you can meet up next. View detailed stadium map
- My grandfather isn’t feeling very well, do you have a first aid station?
A first aid station is located inside Gate 3 and in Section 115. View detailed stadium map
- How do I get to Maples Pavilion to view the live simulcast?
At the ADA table at Gate 4, the Diversity & Access Office staff will provide additional information about Maples Pavilion event and assistance with getting to the venue as needed. Note that all entrances to Maples are wheelchair accessible. The elevator is located near the southwest entrance for step-free access to seating at court level or upper level. Wheelchair seating is available in both locations. A family restroom is located on the Concourse level. Learn more about the Maples Pavilion Live Indoor Viewing
- Will there be any bus and/or golf cart shuttles to the IDA’s (from the stadium)?
Marguerite bus shuttles will be operating from 10am-6pm on Sunday making stops at several locations on Jane Stanford Way and Campus Drive. The closest shuttle stop to the Stadium is near Sam McDonald Mall and Campus Drive. Shuttles will run approximately every 10 minutes. Please visit the Disability Information Table at Gate 4 to discuss options for getting to the diploma ceremonies. View the interactive Commencement Weekend map
- How do I return from the diploma ceremony to the parking area?
From 10am-6pm, Marguerite shuttles will service a counter-clockwise loop through the center of campus (along Jane Stanford Way and Campus Drive) approximately every 10 minutes and return guests to the Commencement parking areas. The bus shuttle will stop at several Marguerite stops along Jane Stanford Way between Via Ortega and Arguello, at Campus Drive and Sam McDonald Mall and at Campus Drive and Lasuen Street. View the interactive Commencement Weekend map