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.
Parking and Transportation
We recommend you arrive early to avoid delays.
General parking
General Commencement parking will be available in the following parking lots near the stadium:
Galvez Lot
Arboretum Grove
Lasuen Grove
Eucalyptus Grove
Toyon Grove
Please remember to lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables inside. Parking attendants will not be monitoring parking areas closely.
Disability parking and drop-off
Parking for guests with state-issued or temporary Stanford-issued disabled parking permits is available in the Track House Lot, with overflow in the Galvez Lot.
Guests with limited mobility or other assistive needs may also be dropped off in this lot.
Other transportation to campus
For general information about traveling to campus on public transit please visit the Stanford Transportation Transit page.
On-campus transportation
On-campus transportation may be limited during the weekend. Special shuttle routes for parking, Caltrain to the Stadium, and the president's reception are included on the interactive Commencement map that will be posted closer to the weekend.
Palo Alto Caltrain station to Stanford
- In the morning on Saturday and Sunday, a special shuttle will run between the Palo Alto Caltrain Station and campus at the corner of Galvez Street at Nelson Road in front of Stanford Stadium. Times will be posted closer to the weekend.
Limited Commencement shuttle
- On Sunday, a limited shuttle will run along Campus Drive and Jane Stanford Way, stopping at the Galvez Lot. Hours and route/stops will be posted closer to the weekend.
President's Reception shuttle
- No parking is available at the Hoover House
- A shuttle will run between Tresidder Memorial Union and the Hoover House from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
For health and safety reasons personal golf carts are not allowed to be brought onto the campus during Commencement Weekend.
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.
Items and Vendors at the Stadium
Commencement Program
Programs will be available at all main entry gates of the stadium. A digital version of the program, as well as a listing of the names of the degree candidates, will be also posted on this website Commencement Weekend.
Vendors
A small selection of vendors will be located outside the gates until just after the ceremony concludes.
Ah Sam Floral, Co.
Ah Sam Floral Co. will have leis and handheld rose flower bouquets for purchase at the stadium commencement ceremony. Flowers can be pre-ordered online closer to the weekend for pickup at the stadium.
Stanford Bookstore
The Stanford Bookstore will have a variety of Stanford apparel and more available for purchase.
Stanford Daily
Pick up the special Commencement edition of the Stanford Daily at all gates.
Stanford Student Store
The Stanford Student Store will have apparel and more available for purchase.
Vendor list/locations 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.
Around Campus
School and Department Ceremonies
Separate from the main Commencement ceremony, individual school and department celebrations will take place at various locations across campus. Please note: These events may be located some distance from the stadium. Consult the Stanford Commencement Map for walking directions that will be published closer to the weekend.
Public Restrooms on Campus
In addition to the restrooms at the stadium, several additional restrooms across campus will be open during the weekend. See the interactive Google map that will be posted closer to the weekend for public restroom locations.
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.
Health and Safety
In the interest of health and safety and our Stanford residential community, if you feel sick or test positive for COVID-19, please do not attend any events or visit campus. The main Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed for anyone who is unable to attend.
Visit the Stanford University Health Alerts website for current guidance and updates. Limited PPE will be available at the stadium.