BROOKINGS — South Dakota State University is hosting its 140th commencement ceremonies on May 9 at First Bank & Trust Arena. Community members should be aware of increased traffic flow and patterns throughout the weekend due to several campus activities.
SDSU will have three ceremonies — at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. — as more than 1,800 graduates plan to walk across the stage for their degrees. Admission to the ceremonies is ticketed due to limited seating, with six tickets issued per graduate. Doors open one hour before each ceremony. First Bank & Trust Arena encourages the use of clear bags, and guests will be subject to security checks. All guests will enter in the southeast or southwest entrances of the arena.
Parking, traffic information
• Parking for commencement ceremonies is free to participants and guests.
• The following campus parking lots are recommended for commencement: Lots 158, 159, 160, 163 and 164.
• Lots 151 and 152 will be available for accessible parking. Drop-off zones will be located on the east end of Lot 152, adjacent to the southeast entrance to First Bank & Trust Arena.
Approaching the arena
• Guests are encouraged to use Jackrabbit Avenue or 20th Avenue off Sixth Street to enter parking Lot 158 from the northwest corner of the lot. Please follow the parking and traffic attendants’ signals.
• Guests can also access Lot 159 from 22nd Avenue and University Boulevard.
• Guests can use Lot 163 from North Campus Drive.
• Guests with Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations will be directed to lots 151 and 152 with a drop-off zone directly adjacent to the southeast entrance of First Bank & Trust Arena.
Departing the arena
• Guests parked in Lot 158 will be directed to the Eighth Street and then routed west away from campus. Guests parked in Lot 159 and Lot 160 will be directed east to 22nd Avenue.
• Lots 163 and 164 will be directed west down North Campus Drive.
• Please follow the directions from your parking attendants and University and Brookings Police Departments to ensure efficient exit plans.
Street closing
• Jackrabbit Avenue will be closed from the roundabout south to First Bank & Trust Arena.
Campus activities
• Ceremonies will be livestreamed. The University Student Union and McCrory Gardens will be open for additional viewing starting at 9 a.m.
• We’ve picked the perfect spots on campus for you to snap pictures with your friends and family. Find these locations marked on campus throughout the week of commencement. Look for SDSU signage to mark the location.
• Spend time at McCrory Gardens, the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum or the South Dakota Art Museum.
• For more information on spring 2026 graduation ceremonies — including campus activities, dining options and hours — go to https://www.sdstate.edu/graduation.
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