Ceremony Venue - SECU Stadium
The University of Maryland hosts 28 commencement ceremonies across six campus venues. This page covers information specific to SECU Stadium, host of the main ceremony on May 21, 2025. Be sure to find the information specific to the venue(s) you will be visiting. A full list of ceremonies and venues is available on the Schedule of Ceremonies page.
The main commencement ceremony is the highlight of each Terp’s academic journey! On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the University of Maryland will host the main commencement ceremony at SECU Stadium, where we come together to honor the hard work, resilience, and achievements of Terp graduates. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the student processional will begin at 6 p.m. The main ceremony will feature our commencement speaker, president, and other notable speakers and honorees. Students will be recognized as a group with their school or college.
This page covers information for the venue only. For more details about the main ceremony, please visit the Main Ceremony page.
LOCATION
- SECU Stadium is located at 90 Stadium Dr, College Park, MD 20742.
- Gates C, D, E, F, G, I, and J will open to guests at 5 p.m.
- Graduates should arrive at the Cole Field House historic entrance (at the intersection of Campus Drive and Union Lane). Arrival timing and instructions will be available later in the Spring semester.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Accessible seating is available for guests in wheelchairs in the following locations:
- The top of sections 2-9
- The top of section 28
- Sections 202-212
- Sections 302-312
Note: All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessible seating is available for guests with limited mobility in the upper rows of sections 2-9 and section 28.
Note: All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. - Guests in wheelchairs and guests with limited mobility should park in Stadium Drive Garage, and enter through gates E, F, or G.
- This venue offers assistive listening devices and other accessibility services upon request.
- American Sign Language interpretation is available in the mezzanine seats of section 27.
Note: All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. - Captions will be projected on the central video board, above the stage.
- Additional questions about accessibility, including seating, closed captioning, and sign language, can be found on the venue accessibility page.
BAG POLICY AND PROHIBITED ITEMS
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.
PARKING
Parking permits are not required, and meters will be turned off, on campus. Close parking is available in lots and garages near SECU Stadium, including Regents Drive Garage, lots Z, 1, and JJ.
Guests in wheelchairs and guests with limited mobility should park in Stadium Drive Garage, and enter through gates F & G. This is a fully accessible pathway.
When driving to SECU Stadium, guests should enter campus at Route 193 and Stadium Drive. We recommend avoiding the vehicle entrances on Baltimore Avenue.
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.
CONTACT
If you have questions about attending a ceremony in SECU Stadium, please contact the Office of Special Events at commencement@umd.edu.
For more information about the venue, visit the SECU Stadium website.