There is a new clear-bag policy for Stanford Stadium.
Family and friends can only bring approved clear bags into Stanford Stadium for the Commencement ceremony on Sunday. The new policy is designed to improve safety. Clear bags will be distributed at the parking lot and outside of the gates at the stadium. The Stanford Bookstore and Athletics Shop also will sell clear bags before and during Commencement Weekend. Or, your family can use a one-gallon clear Ziploc bag. Learn more about the policy.
The weekend’s festivities involve a lot of walking.
Advise family members to wear comfortable shoes during Commencement Weekend. The events are spread out and driving to and from events can be very difficult. Walking is the best way to get around. So, if a member of your family is disabled or has mobility concerns, we strongly, strongly encourage your family to plan in advance by visiting the Disability Resources page. We cannot emphasize this advice enough. We’ve seen families struggle with mobility issues during Commencement Weekend.
It can get hot.
That’s especially true in Stanford Stadium, where there is very little shade and the audience is seated facing the sun. Temperatures can climb into the 80s and 90s, so we urge everyone to dress in comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and water. Limited food and beverages are also available for purchase in the stadium. Unfortunately, umbrellas are not allowed because they impede the views of others. Maples Pavilion will be used as an indoor, air-conditioned location with live streaming of the event so that those having difficulties with the sun and heat can find relief. No tickets are required. It’ll be first-come, first-served, but there will be a lot of available seating there, including disability seating.
Make travel arrangements as soon as possible.
Families that haven’t already done so should make hotel reservations as soon as possible. There are limited hotel accommodations in Palo Alto and the neighboring communities. Families can visit the Lodging page for ideas about where to stay. The Commencement website includes pages suggesting how to get to campus, where to dine and where to park.
Parking is available but challenging during Commencement Weekend.
Parking for the Baccalaureate ceremony on Saturday will be available on the streets that intersect Palm Drive and in many visitor lots throughout campus. Parking for Commencement will be available in the parking lots surrounding the stadium. Diploma ceremony sites may be located some distance from the stadium. So, if your family tries to move the car to a new location between ceremonies, they should plan their time accordingly and use caution given the amount of pedestrian traffic on campus during Commencement Weekend. After Commencement, there will be limited shuttle service between the Commencement parking area and locations along Serra Mall that are likely closer to the diploma ceremonies.
What if it rains?
In the unlikely event of inclement weather, Stanford will announce by 7 a.m. on Saturday alternative plans for Baccalaureate and by 7 a.m. alternative plans for Commencement. Alternative plans will be shared on Stanford’s KZSU (90.1 FM) and on the Stanford Commencement homepage.
Visit the Commencement webpages for more information.