Preparing for University Commencement on May 16

Wednesday
To: University Employees
From: The University of Arizona
Subject: Preparing for University Commencement on May 16
Date: Apr 30, 2025

Preparing for University Commencement on May 16

On Friday, May 16, our university community will gather at Arizona Stadium for the University of Arizona's 161st Commencement honoring the achievements of our graduating Wildcats. Throughout the week leading up to Commencement, we will be welcoming thousands of parents, families and visitors to our Tucson campus for convocations and graduation celebrations while also accommodating students moving out of campus housing. 

As we prepare for these events and their impacts on parking and traffic on and around main campus, the information below will help you plan for your commute. We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate this week together and make necessary adjustments, especially on Friday, May 16, which will be a regular workday for faculty and staff.  

Impacts to Parking Locations 

Most parking locations on the Tucson campus will be unaffected for normal workday schedules during the week. The lots and garage listed below will be reserved for Commencement parking and/or move out traffic during the days and hours specified in the April 29 Preparing for University Commencement email to employees.

  • Lots 5067, 5072, 6090 and 6097

  • James E. Rogers Way street-specific parking

  • National Championship Drive

  • Cherry Avenue Garage

If you have a parking permit for one of the impacted parking locations, you will receive an email from Parking and Transportation Services with specific instructions for alternative parking.

Commencement Day Road Closures  

Some road closures will go into effect around Arizona Stadium beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 16. Please follow the posted signage and instructions regarding traffic patterns and parking options. 

Alternate Parking at the U of A Tech Park at The Bridges  

On Friday, May 16, there will be all-day free parking for employees at the U of A Tech Park at the Bridges Park & Ride lot, located at the intersection of East Imagine Lane and South Kino Parkway. The Red CatTran shuttle service will run between the Bridges lot and main campus beginning at the Bridges lot at 3:55 a.m. and continuing through 6 p.m. A one-way ride is approximately 20 minutes.  

Road closures near and on campus will alter the Red/Bridges CatTran route from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. This map shows the routes and stops. You can also track the routes live on the CatTran Tracker. 

The Bridges location should not be used for Commencement parking. 

Attending Commencement 

If you are attending the 2025 ceremony, visit the Commencement website for information about:  

  • Parking and entering the stadium, including parking map, shuttle service details, gate entrances and seating map.  

  • Accessibility, including seating, service animals and closed-captioning details. 

  • Venue policies, including clear bag policy, metal detector screening and other safety information. 

  • FAQ regarding convocations/celebrations and Commencement. 

Colleagues across the university are working actively to host safe and successful events for all members of our community. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we plan for this special week of celebrations for our graduates and their loved ones who supported them throughout their journey at the U of A.  

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