Frequently Asked Questions for Guests

• Where should I park?

  Parking around the Ritchie Center will be open and available to graduates and their guests.  Parking for commencement is complimentary. 

• I am attending a Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 14. Do I need a ticket?

  No, guest tickets for the ceremonies on Friday, June 14 are not required.

• I am attending the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 15. How and when do I obtain a ticket?

  Upon registering for the Saturday, June 15ceremony, graduates will automatically be allocated five tickets.  All tickets will be distributed directly to graduates. 

  The week of June 10, graduates will receive an email with five mobile tickets.  Graduates will then transfer those mobile tickets to their guests via the Ritchie Center’s My Account portal.  Ticket recipients will receive an email that notifying them that their graduate has initiated a ticket transfer.  The ticket recipient will then log in to the Ritchie Center’s My Account portal to accept those tickets.

  Anyone having difficulty transferring or accepting tickets is welcome to contact the Ritchie Center for assistance at rcboxoffice@du.edu or 303-871-4625.  We will absolutely ensure that graduates are able to get their tickets to their loved ones. 

• Are tickets required for babies or toddlers?

  Guests aged two years and older require a ticket. 

• What are the accommodations for guests who need mobility assistance?

  The drop-off entrance for guests with mobility needs is on the north side of the Ritchie Center, off of Buchtel Blvd.  Guests with mobility needs can then take the elevator up to the main floor of the Ritchie Center.  The ADA sections in Magness Arena for guests are Sections 4, 8, 14, and 18.  For additional disability-related accommodation requests for guests, please contact Office of the ADA Coordinator at 303-871-3941 or ADA.Coordinator@du.edu.

• What are the accommodations for guests who are deaf and hard of hearing?

  All ceremonies are live captioned.  Additionally, interpreters will be available at Section 18.

• What time will doors open for guests?

  Doors will open one hour prior to the start of each ceremony. 

• Are there any security protocols of which I should be aware?

  Guests will pass through metal detectors at entry.  Guests will not need to empty their pockets, or to remove jackets or hats. 

  To maximize security efficiency and safety, we strongly encourage guests to use 1) clear bags and/or 2) wristlets, clutches, or wallets measuring no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches.

• Is guest seating in Magness Arena assigned or can I sit wherever I want?

  All guest seating is General Admission.  There is no assigned seating. 

• How long will the commencement ceremonies last?

  Each ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.  A University Reception, with light food and beverages, will be held outside of the Ritchie Center following each ceremony.

• For those participating in a morning ceremony, what time should we make lunch reservations?

  For guests attending the Crimson Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 14 at 9:30 a.m., we recommend a lunch reservation at 1:00 p.m.

  For guests attending the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 15 at 9:30 a.m., we recommend a lunch reservation at 1:30 p.m.

  After the ceremonies end graduates and their guests can have time to take photos, enjoy the University Reception, and then travel away from campus for lunch.  There is a great deal of pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the Ritchie Center on graduation days, so please give yourself enough time. 

• Can I bring food or drink with me?

  Water will be available on the Ritchie Center concourse, but no food or drinks are permitted inside of Magness Arena. 

• How can my graduate order a class ring, graduation announcements, a diploma frame, etc.?

  Please visit the DU Bookstore here.

• Is there anything else I should know?

  We are so proud of our graduates and delight in their accomplishments.  We hope that graduates and their guests have a wonderful time celebrating together on campus.  Please contact us if you have other concerns or questions, or if we may be of further assistance.  Congratulations to the Class of 2024!