Main Ceremony
Main Ceremony Event Day Information
About the Main Ceremony
Please review this page so you can be ready for a celebratory evening at the main ceremony, at SECU Stadium on Wednesday, May 20, where we will honor all graduates' accomplishments at the University of Maryland!
The main commencement ceremony is the highlight of each Terp’s academic journey! On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the University of Maryland will host the main commencement ceremony at SECU Stadium, where we will come together to honor the hard work, resilience, and achievements of Terp graduates. The main ceremony will feature the keynote speaker, president, and other notable speakers and honorees. Students will be recognized as a group with their school or college. Learn more about our speakers and honorees here.
Each graduate is eligible to claim six guest tickets and one personal ticket to the main ceremony. Tickets will be available to claim at 10am on April 13, 2026 until 4:00pm on May 11th. Claims are made via the Athletics student ticket site. Graduates should visit the "Sign In as Student" link to claim their tickets. Graduates must then share the tickets with their guests. Guest tickets for SECU stadium are General Admission; guests will claim seats on a first-come first-serve basis upon arrival to the seats.
Learn more about the mobile ticketing system and how to transfer your tickets to guests here.
SECU stadium gates will open at 5pm and the student processional will begin at 6pm. The speaking program will begin after the roughly 60-minute processional.
Graduates are assigned a 4:30pm or 5:00pm arrival time to Cole Fieldhouse for Main Ceremony processional lineup. Check the Graduate Checklist page for important Graduate information.
Each graduate and their guests are also invited to attend the individual school, college, or department ceremony for their program. At these individual ceremonies, graduates will walk across the stage and have their names read. See our Schedule of Ceremonies page for a complete list of ceremonies.
Before You Arrive
Preparation is an important part of making sure you're ready to celebrate. Follow these tips before coming to campus to ensure you have the best experience on Commencement Day!
Claiming - Graduates claim event tickets—one (1) graduate and six (6) guest tickets—starting April 13 using the student Athletics Student Ticketing Account.
Downloading - Be sure graduates and guests have tickets downloaded in advance. Graduates and Guests will enter separately — transfer and downloaded tickets before arriving.
Hydrate
Graduates and Guests are encouraged to bring an EMPTY personal water bottle. It is recommend you start hydrating at least 48 hours before the event. In the event of extreme heat, a sealed water or sports drink will be allowed, one per each guest.
Review Ceremony Logistics
Graduates and Guest can find all Commencement information at Commencement.umd.edu. Be sure to share commencement.umd.edu with all of your guests to ensure everyone has the information they need. Information about clear bag policy, downloading tickets, parking, and more is available.
Wear Comfortable Shoes and Clothes
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. SECU Stadium requires walking down stairs and walking throughout the campus.
Arrive on Time
SECU Stadium gates open for Guests at 5:00pm on May 20th. Seating is General Admission first-come, first-serve throughout most of SECU Stadium. Arrive early to avoid traffic and claim your seat.
Please arrive early and expect traffic delays. Use the free campus shuttle as needed.
SECU Stadium enforces a clear bag policy for guests. Please review the bag policy and prohibited items below for more information.
Wear Sunscreen
Even if it's overcast, you will be outside. Sunscreen is often recommended in May.
Eat Well
Eat nutritious food at home and/or bring a small snack while waiting. There will be water on-site for graduates.
Graduates and guests will be screened with metal detection upon arrival. Review the list of permitted and prohibited items further down on this page.
Parking & Transportation
The University is growing, which means there are several construction projects on and off campus. Please plan for traffic delays and plan to arrive early. Use free campus shuttles as needed.
Visit Maps.umd.edu for an interactive campus map that includes parking lots.
Parking permits are not required, and meters will be turned off from May 19-May 22, in most parking lots on campus.
Parking lots should be used as wayfinding points when driving to campus.
Parking is available in lots and garages near SECU Stadium, including Regents Drive Garage, lots 1/Z, Terrapin Trail Garage, lot 9B, lot 11B, and lot 4B.
Walking to SECU stadium is possible from most lots. Shuttles are also available throughout campus. All shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
Guests in wheelchairs and guests with limited mobility arriving to SECU stadium, should park in Stadium Drive Garage, and enter through gates F or G. This is a fully accessible pathway.
When driving to SECU Stadium, guests should enter campus at the entrance closest to the area you will park. Available entrances include; Stadium Drive, Campus Drive and Adelphi Ave., Campus Drive and Baltimore Ave, and 193 and Paint Branch Ave.
Traffic on campus can be busy during commencement. Give yourself additional time to travel to campus for these ceremonies.
Obey all campus parking and traffic signage and regulations.
Campus parking and transportation maps will be available here soon.
Guests relocating their vehicles from the XFINITY Center should anticipate and expect delays.
Stadium Map
Share the SECU Stadium map with your guests so they can plan their day to celebrate your achievements! The map has helpful information, including the location each school or college will be seated on the field, accessible seating locations, elevators, first aid stations, and more.
Bag Policy
Be prepared for the main ceremony by reviewing the bag policy before arrival.
Graduates - Graduates should bring only necessary items they can carry throughout the ceremony. Clutch-sized bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted and do not have to be clear. Backpacks and bags larger than 4.5"x6.5" are prohibited.
Guests - Clear bags no larger than 12"x12"x6" are permitted. They will be searched, which can delay entry, so we recommend avoiding bags if possible. Backpacks are prohibited.
Security & What to Bring
Graduates will be screened with metal detection upon arrival. Please be aware that there are no secure storage locations for any personal items during the ceremony. Graduates should carry all personal items, or leave them off-site.
As a general rule, graduates should bring only necessary items they can carry with them throughout the ceremony.
What to Bring
Your Digital Ticket
Regalia
Comfortable Shoes
Water Bottle - Water will be provided during the processional lineup.
Sunscreen
Prohibited Items
Artificial Noisemakers
Balloons
Dangerous or Disruptive Behavior
Fireworks / Firearms
Flammables of any kind
Illegal Substances
Laser Pointers
Outside Food or Drink of any kind*
Pass-Outs / Re-Entry
Pets*
Resale of Ticket
Sign Poles or Sign Sticks
Signage, Apparel or other Items that display, depict or represent recognizable symbols and/or words, including nooses and swastikas, that incite, intimidate, or threaten members of the University of Maryland community.
Skateboards / Bicycles
Smoking
Soliciting / Loitering / Trespassing
Strollers
Umbrellas
Video Cameras
Weapons (both real and facsimiles)
Any other items or actions deemed dangerous or disruptive to the fan experience
*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.