Venue Information
McCarthy Athletic Center
Saturday, May 13 | Graduate and Law School ceremonies
- No tickets are required for guests of students
- Campus parking is free for commencement weekend
- Accessible seating is available; please see crowd management staff when you arrive
- Directions and parking information for the McCarthey Athletic Center
- Participating Students:
- Law School: 8 a.m. — Student group photo at Law School entrance, then proceed to Martin Center for lineup
- Graduate Schools: 11:15 a.m. — Students arrive at Gonzaga University Martin Center for lineup
- Concessions will be available. Cashless only please.
- All ceremonies and mass are substance-free events
Floor Seating for Students
(To best view your graduating student, sit on the opposite side of the venue. If the student is on the south/left side, find a seat on the north/right side.)
| South/Left | North Right |
| DNAP, DNP Business Leadership Studies |
EDD, PHD Theology Education Engineering/Ap.Sci. Nursing |
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena
Sunday, May 14 | Undergraduate ceremony
- Be aware of parking limitations
- We encourage you to arrive early
- We are ready to serve those with ADA accommodations
- Observe the clear bag policy
Neighboring construction limits parking at the Spokane Arena.
- Parking in the Arena lot for $8 is limited, especially now due to nearby construction for the new stadium.
- Parking lots in the surrounding area vary in price and are also limited. Please be creative and efficient regarding transportation. See nearby parking options here.
Arrival and ADA Accommodations
- Doors open at 8 a.m. for guests that need extra time or assistance. All are welcome to enter at 8:30 a.m.. Guest entrance is at the Northeast Doors
- Accessible seating is available, and the security service team will accommodate needs upon arrival. A special entrance is designated for parties with disabled and mobility-impaired guests.
- Students in academic regalia will be required to show university ID for entry at the Southeast Doors, which open at 8:30 a.m. Students need to check in at line-up by 8:45 a.m.
Clear Bag Policy
- The venue typically requires clear bags only, no larger than 14”x14”x6”.
- Camera and diaper bags will require a security check and require more time for entry.
- No storage is available.
- See the Arena's clear bag policy and other venue policies at their website.
Know Before You Go
- Undergraduate ceremony is limited to six guests per student. There is no extra ticket distribution.
- Concessions will be available. Cashless only please.
- All ceremonies and mass are substance-free events
Floor Seating for Students
(To best view your graduating student, sit on the opposite side of the venue. If the student is on the south/left side, find a seat on the north/right side.)
| South/Left | North Right |
| B.Arts (Ph to Z) B.Fine Arts BS Honors and B.Science Business (BA, BS, B.Bus) Education (B.Ed) |
BA Honors B.Arts (A to Pet) Engineering/Ap.Science Nursing/Human Phys |
Undergraduate Ticket Distribution
Beginning April 17, 2023 students will access the TicketsWest website for Gonzaga commencement at Spokane Arena. Students must utilize their Gonzaga ID number (enter as "promo code") to access up to six guest tickets. Once seats are selected, they can transfer to another person via email or text from the system.
(Back to Top)Law and Graduate Ticket Distribution
There are no restrictions on the number of guests and no tickets are required for entry to either of these ceremonies.
(Back to Top)Additional Details
Bags: Each venue typically requires clear bags only, no larger than 14”x14”x6”. Camera and diaper bags will require a security check and require more time for entry. No storage is available at venues.
Graduating Student Ceremony Regalia: Custom rental attire is required for student participation in the ceremonies. Visit the Commencement Resources page for order and return details.
Flowers: Pre-ordered flower bouquets will be available at the ceremony venues, as well as other products. Visit the Commencement Resources page for details.
Prohibited Items: Please note the following items that attendees cannot bring into the ceremony venues:
- Alcohol
- Outside food and beverage
- Large signs and umbrellas
- Bags that do not meet the policy at each venue
- Firearms (even with carry permits)
- Noisemakers