Ceremony Information
Guest Information
Welcome families, friends and guests! We know this is an exciting time for you and your graduate of the University of South Florida. To help you prepare for your ceremony experience, please review the following information.
Directions and Parking
For GPS please use the physical address of the Yuengling Center: 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa, FL 33617. There is no cost for parking and parking permits are not required during Commencement ceremonies.
SHUTTLE MAP
Bull Runner shuttles are provided for guests that are NOT parked in Lots 22D, 22E, 22F, and 18.
CEREMONY INFORMATION
Ceremonies are held at the Yuengling Center on the Tampa campus. Doors open 60 minutes prior to the start of each undergraduate and master's ceremony and 90 minutes prior to the start of each doctoral ceremony. All persons entering the Yuengling Center, including graduates, are subject to bag check and metal detector screening. Seating is first come, first served and no tickets are required. Seat saving is not allowed.
- We encourage guests to enter the Yuengling Center through gates B, C, or D.
- Graduates will have formal photos taken after they cross the stage by GradImages; graduates will be emailed proofs a few days after Commencement which are available for purchase.
- Each undergraduate and master's ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes. Doctoral ceremonies are approximately 2 hours. Graduates are not allowed to leave early and for the consideration of others, we ask that guests stay the entire duration, as well.
- Once the ceremony has concluded all graduates will be directed out of the Yuengling Center through the Corral the same way they entered the building—to make for an easier reunification process.
- Academic regalia is required to participate in Commencement. Formal military uniforms may be worn in lieu of academic regalia.
- Every graduate and guest will be able to access the online commencement program via QR codes throughout the venue.
- Our ceremonies will be livestreamed from the university’s YouTube channel. Students must attend the ceremony in order for their name to be announced.
Venue Information
To help ensure your safety, Yuengling Center has strict security measures designed to help all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience while attending an event at Yuengling Center. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Your safety is always the first concern.
Bag Searches
Personal bags must be smaller that 12x12x12". These are subject to search upon entry. Backpacks are not permitted (parenting/diaper bags and medical bags are permissible).
Prohibited Items and Polices
Banners and Signs
Signs are permitted, but are limited to standard poster board size. Signs cannot be
mounted on any poles or sticks of any kind. We ask all patrons to be courteous to
others and not to obstruct the view of another guest with signs.
Bottles/Containers, Food
Guests are not permitted to bring outside bottles or containers inside Yuengling Center.
Guests may not bring food and/or beverages into Yuengling Center. Guests may dispose
of the unauthorized items prior to entering the facility:
- Breakable vases
- Coolers
- Flags
- Helium Balloons
- Large Bags
- Laser Pointers
- Long Chains/Sharp Spikes
- Noise Makers/Air Horns
- Offensive Banners/Posters
- Pepper Spray or Mace
- Skateboards
- Sticks or Poles of any kind
- Suitcases
- Tripods
- Wallet chains
- Weapons of any kind
- Wrapped gifts
Guests with specific dietary needs due to medical conditions or religious requirements should contact the Yuengling Center, and we are happy to accommodate.
Re-Entry
Yuengling Center has a no re-entry policy following the event. For emergencies and special exceptions, please visit Guest Services located in the Gate A lobby.
Dress Code
The suggested dress code for guests is business casual.
Accessibility
Accessible Seating
There is no pre-assigned seating for guests with disabilities as our venue has ample
accommodations available. Accessible seating is located throughout the arena. There
may be seats available on the floor level, main concourse level, or the upper level.
Accommodations are available for one companion per ADA guest.
Elevator
The guest elevator is located inside Gate D, Lobby. This elevator is reserved for guests with limited mobility.
Wheelchairs/Walkers
Wheelchair seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Please be aware that the Yuengling Center does not have wheelchairs or other equipment to loan or rent.
Wheelchairs may be checked at the Guest Services Desk at Gate A - see any Yuengling Center staff member for information. Wheelchairs and walkers are permitted. Walkers may be stored under your seat, or checked at the Guest Services desk.
American Sign Language Interpreter and Hearing Impaired
Section 113 is reserved for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing as this section provides a clear view to the ASL interpreters in front of the stage. Please note that section 113 is reserved only for the first 30 minutes after doors have opened—once 30 minutes has elapsed the section is open for general admission. There will also be a link to live captioning on the USF Commencement Program webpage.
Yuengling Center has a limited number of Assistive Listening Devices which are available event by event on a first come first served basis at the Guest Services booth in the Gate A lobby. If you would like to reserve the device in advance, please contact us at (813) 974-3111 at least 24 hours prior to the day of show and we would be happy to put one aside under your name at the Guest Services booth. To pick up the device on event day, you will need to provide a valid photo ID which will be kept by the staff until the device is returned at the end of the event.
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted within the facility. Please have your animal clearly marked upon arrival. Guest Services Staff will assist with seating.