Guest Information
Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and the procession begins at 9:30 a.m. Please plan to arrive early to allow sufficient time go through security and find your seats.
Commencement Stadium Guidelines
Public Safety Clear Bag Policy
Stanford University has implemented a clear bag policy to provide a safer environment for the public and expedite entry into Stanford Stadium for Commencement. This policy limits the size and types of bags permitted. Items must be carried or fit into a permissible bag.
Security at the stadium gate entry
In addition to the clear bag policy, there will be electronic screening equipment (metal detectors) in use at all venue entry gates. Before entering the stadium, guests will be asked to remove cell phones, keys and other large metal objects and must pass through the metal detectors.
Be prepared
The Commencement ceremony is scheduled to occur rain or shine. The stadium is an open space and little to no shade is available during the ceremony. Maples Pavilion provides an on campus alternative to view a livestream of the ceremony, from an indoor, air-conditioned space. Dress for the heat; light clothing is advisable. Hats, visors, and sun block are also highly recommended. Umbrellas are not allowed.
Smoking prohibited
Smoking is prohibited at Stanford Stadium, at all indoor locations and at outdoor areas where posted.
These policies are subject to change without notice.
At the Stadium
Food and drink
Bottled water, as well as multiple water refill stations, will be available at the stadium. Food and beverage concessions will be available for purchase. All concessions locations will be self-order using cashless payment such as Cardinal Dollars, credit cards, and Apple or Google Pay.
Complimentary bag check
Guests with bags or items that do not satisfy the Public Safety Clear Bag Policy are welcome to bring them to the complimentary bag check tent.
The bag check tent opens two hours before the ceremony begins and closes one hour after the conclusion of the event. Any items left after closing will be brought to the Stanford Stadium Operations Office, located inside Gate 1 of the stadium.
Stroller check
Due to safety regulations, no strollers are allowed inside the stadium. For your convenience, strollers may be checked at the complimentary bag check tent.
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.
First aid
A First Aid station is located inside Stadium Gate 3. Stations are also located in the concourse near sections 115 and 132.
Stadium map
See the stadium map for locations of parking, guest entry gates, seating sections, restrooms and other amenities at the stadium.
Locations and hours are subject to change.
Additional Viewing Options
Maples Pavilion
In addition to attending Commencement in the Stanford Stadium, guests may also watch the Commencement ceremonies broadcasted live inside Maples Pavilion on campus. This 7,392-seat multi-purpose arena is air conditioned. Learn more about viewing from Maples Pavilion.
Live video stream and broadcast
The main Commencement ceremony video will be streamed live on this website, and audio broadcast live on Stanford's radio station KZSU FM 90.1 and on kzsu.stanford.edu.
Video Recording
Videos of Baccalaureate and the main Commencement ceremony will be available on Stanford's YouTube channel following the event.
Sustainability Information
Zero Waste
At Stanford, we’re All About No Waste! To help us achieve our Zero Waste goal and reduce contamination in our waste bins, please consider the following:
Bring your own clear bag approved reusable water bottle! If everyone attending commencement brought a disposable water bottle, it would generate enough waste to cover 27 football fields!
All PPE and sanitary wipes should be disposed of in landfill trash bins (not recycling or composting).
Paper programs can be saved as mementos, or they can be disposed of in recycling bins.