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. 

• Do I need a guest ticket to attend a DU Commencement ceremony?

  Yes. Tickets are required for all guests aged two and older.

• How and when do I obtain a ticket?

  Upon registering for commencement, graduates will automatically be allocated nine tickets. All tickets will be distributed directly to graduates.

  Graduates will receive their tickets directly the week of commencement. Graduates may then transfer their mobile tickets to their guests via the Ritchie Center’s My Account portal. Ticket recipients will receive an email 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.

• 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, ASL interpreters will be available at Section 18.

• What are the security protocols? Do I have to use a clear bag?

  All guests will be subject to security screening, including metal detector screening and inspection of medically necessary bags or other items carried in.

  Guests must use 1) clear bags and/or 2) wristlets, clutches, or wallets measuring no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches.

  Guests who require a bag for medical equipment or a diaper bag are permitted to bring a bag no larger than 12 in. x 6 in. x 12 in. All guests entering with medical or diaper bags are subject to visual screening upon entry.

  Management reserves the right to handle each occurrence on a case-by-case basis. All permitted bags, jackets and guests are subject to search upon entering the Ritchie Center.

• Are there any prohibited items?

  Prohibited items include: artificial noise makers including instruments, air horns, cow bells, whistles, vuvuzelas, etc.; animals (excluding service animals); balloons; balls; banners; bottles and cans; candles or open flames; confetti; coolers; derogatory/defamatory clothing; firearms or weapons of any kind; fireworks; flags; flyers and handouts; frisbees or other projectiles; glitter; laser pens or laser products of any type; outside food and beverage of any kind; poles and sticks; projectiles; selfie sticks; signs; ski or non-medical masks (medical masks are permitted); tents; umbrellas; and anything else that would interfere with other guests’ ability to see, hear, and/or enjoy the ceremony.

• What time will doors open for guests?

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

• 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 ceremony 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 a 9:30 a.m. ceremony, we recommend a lunch reservation at 1:00 p.m.

  After the ceremony ends 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 commencement days, so please give yourself enough time.

• For those participating in an afternoon ceremony, what time should we make dinner reservation?

  For guests attending a 2:30 p.m. ceremony, we recommend a dinner reservation at 6:30 p.m. or later.

  After the ceremony ends graduates and their guests can have time to take photos, enjoy the University Reception, and then travel away from campus for dinner. There is a great deal of pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the Ritchie Center on commencement 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.

• Will the ceremonies be live streamed for loved ones who cannot attend in person?

  Yes, all ceremonies will be live-streamed from the DU website with captioning available.

• 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 2025!