Tickets required for spring commencement guests

COLUMBUS – Spring commencement ceremonies for some 5,500 Ohio State graduates will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 14 at Ohio Stadium. Stadium security measures that were put in place after Sept. 11 will be augmented for the event, and tickets will be required for all guests.

”Spring commencement is an especially exciting tradition at Ohio State, and the steps we are taking will ensure a safe and memorable ceremony for everyone,” said Ohio State President William Kirwan. ”We realize that our graduates and guests will need to adjust their plans and we appreciate their cooperation.”

Admission tickets will be required for all guests. Tickets will provide general admission for family and guests of graduates who are participating in commencement. Guest seating is first-come, first-served. With an estimated 40,000 guests of the graduates expected to attend, the event will not be open to the public or other members of the university community.
Guests are asked to arrive at Ohio Stadium by 6 a.m., and enter through gates on the east side of the facility. To assure that all graduates are assembled and guests are seated in time for the 9:30 a.m. ceremony, admittance cannot be guaranteed after 8:30 a.m.

Graduates may pick up one ticket per guest at the St. John Arena ticket office, 410 Woody Hayes Drive, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 10, 11 or 12. Tickets are free, but graduates must present a photo ID to obtain tickets. Graduates do not need a ticket.

All guests and graduates will be subject to security screening. Metal detectors will be in place at all open gates of Ohio Stadium and at French Field House where graduates will gather.
No one may pass into either facility without being screened. Lines may be long and personal items subject to search.

To avoid lengthy security delays, guests should not bring prohibited items to the ceremony. Prohibited items include coolers, backpacks, large handbags, umbrellas, chair-back seats, mace and similar substances, or weapons of any type.

Items that are permitted include cameras, video recorders, uncased binoculars, small handbags, cell phones, seat cushions, and clothes for weather conditions.

Graduates must report to French Field House at 6:30 a.m., and must bring a photo ID. Only graduates will be admitted to French Field House.

Graduates may park in the lots to the north and south of French Field House. No parking will be permitted in the lots surrounding Ohio Stadium. Guests are strongly encouraged to park on West Campus and use the shuttle service.

Media will receive instructions on obtaining credentials at a later date.

Graduates and guests should refer to the commencement website for up to date information. The address is http://www.osu.edu/commence/