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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.The University of Pittsburgh’s spring commencement is fast approaching: Your graduate has dedicated years of hard work to reach this milestone and now it’s nearly time to celebrate their momentous accomplishment.
This year’s University-wide undergraduate ceremony will be held May 4 at 2:30 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. Although the venue is different this year, we have the information you need to help the day go smoothly — and leave more time for celebrating with your graduate.
You can find the latest updates for graduates and guests alike on Pitt’s commencement site. Plus, get timely information and live coverage when you follow @PittCommencement on Instagram.
Keep scrolling for tips on getting around the city, parking, photography, how to watch at home and more.
Tickets
Each registered graduate will receive four free electronic guest tickets via Ticketmaster. As of April 11, graduates who requested additional tickets during the registration process will have been notified of their request status. Tickets will be distributed the week of April 21 and must be claimed by Monday, April 28.
Guests must present mobile tickets for entry — paper tickets and screenshots will not be accepted. Find instructions on how to claim and transfer guest tickets.
Parking
All University parking garages and lots will be free and open to guests and graduates on commencement day. If you’re using the complimentary shuttle, the closest lot is the Soldiers and Sailors Garage, 4101 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213.
At PPG Paints Arena, parking will be available for $13 in nearby garages and lots.
Shuttle services
The free shuttle service will begin operations at 11:30 a.m. and run continuously until one hour after the conclusion of the ceremony. All shuttles are ADA accessible.
The route between Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood and PPG Paints Arena takes approximately 12 minutes. In Oakland, a shuttle will pick up and drop off riders at University Place, adjacent to Soldiers and Sailors Garage. The PPG Paints shuttle stop is located at the corner of Fullerton Street and Wylie Avenue, near the F.N.B. gate.
Pittsburgh Marathon and Pirates game
The May 4 ceremony coincides with the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, which starts in downtown at 7 a.m., as well as a Pittsburgh Pirates game, which begins at 1:35 p.m. at PNC Park on the city’s North Shore. While these events are not expected to impact the commencement ceremony, guests should anticipate increased traffic throughout the city.
Downtown road closures for the marathon will begin at noon on Saturday, May 3, and continue through Sunday afternoon. Find more details.
Entering PPG Paints Arena
Graduates, you must enter through the Highmark Gate near the corner of Centre Avenue and Logan Street. Arrive in your regalia and with a printed name announcement card in hand — this serves as your entry ticket.
Still need regalia?
Order online for in-store pick up at the University Store on Fifth. Direct shipping is also available. Check with the University Store for shipping rates and arrival times.
And, Honors Cords are available for undergraduate degree recipients from all schools and colleges. Find your distribution location.
Guests may enter either through the EQT Gate, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Place, or F.N.B. Gate, at the corner of Fullerton Street and Centre Avenue. Limited guest entry will also be available at the Highmark Gate.
All entrances to PPG Paints Arena are ADA-compliant. Wheelchairs are also available in a limited quantity and on a first come, first served basis.
Seating
Guest seating is on a first come, first served basis. Those in need of accessible seating should head to PPG Paints Arena Guest Services, located behind section 104, after entering the building. One accessible seat and one companion seat will be offered per request, subject to availability.
Security
To ensure a safe and efficient entry process, PPG Paints Arena enforces a strict no-bag policy. Exceptions will be made for medical and diaper bags upon inspection at designated screening entrances. Other permitted items include:
- Wristlets or wallets no larger than 4-by-6-by-1.5 inches
- Compact umbrellas
- Point-and-shoot cameras with nondetachable lenses
Livestream
For friends and family unable to attend in person, a livestream of the ceremony will be available on Pitt’s commencement site.
Photography
Professional photographers will capture each graduate’s moment on stage. Photos will be available for purchase from GradImages following the ceremony. There will also be photo pop-ups around the arena and the Pittsburgh campus for graduates and guests — don’t forget to take your picture with the Pitt Panther outside William Pitt Union.
Share your memories
Celebrate and share your graduate’s accomplishments on @PittOfficial social media channels by using #PittGrad and, of course, #H2P. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Photography by Tom Altany