Navigating UCF Commencement: A Comprehensive Guide to Tickets, Logistics, and Celebrations

Commencement at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Held at the Addition Financial Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd N., Orlando FL, 32816) on the main campus, the ceremony is a celebration for graduates, their families, and friends. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, understanding the policies and procedures surrounding tickets, venue access, and other important details is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about UCF's commencement, from securing tickets to celebrating after the ceremony.

Tickets and Admission

Tickets are required for all guests, including adults, children, and infants, to enter the Addition Financial Arena for the UCF Commencement ceremony. Graduates will receive five (5) commencement tickets for the ceremony. Graduates do not need to register for or order their commencement ceremony tickets. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate on time and place a regalia order on time will automatically receive their ceremony tickets during the designated dates/times established for guest ticket and reader card pick up. Guest tickets must be picked up along with reader cards by each graduate at the main campus by the dates specified.

Graduates unable to pick up their guest tickets may designate a third party to do so by providing them with a letter authorizing UCF to release the tickets during ticket-pickup week. Letters must include the name of the designated pick-up person, along with the graduate’s full name, UCF ID, college of major and their signature on the letter. There will be no ticket lottery offered for additional tickets for graduates. Any forfeited tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Addition Financial Arena Box Office two hours prior to each individual commencement ceremony. Guests will need to provide a photo ID, as well as their graduate’s name.

For those without tickets, a live ceremony will be available for viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. The Alumni Center’s seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not required for the live telecast, and it is closed captioned.

Venue Information and Regulations

Location and Parking

Commencement takes place at the Addition Financial Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd N., Orlando FL, 32816) on the main campus. Free parking is available in the parking garages surrounding the Addition Financial Arena. Graduates and guests may park in Garage D and Garage H. Accessible parking is available in parking Garage D and F. Those with state disability parking permits may park in either Garage D or F. Mobility impaired individuals may be dropped off in front of the Addition Financial Arena prior to parking.

Read also: UCF Graduation Parking Info

Entry and Seating

Doors open for guests 60 minutes prior to each ceremony. While most guest seating is general admission, some seating is reserved for platform party guests and doctoral families. Early arrivals will have the best choice of seating. Guests should use the main entrance of the Addition Financial Arena.

Prohibited Items

Everyone is prohibited from bringing the following items into the Addition Financial Arena: balloons, bottles, cans, containers, glass vases, alcoholic beverages, noisemakers, air horns, laser pens, silly string, confetti, flags, banners, signs or posters. The Addition Financial Arena does not allow backpacks of any kind or bags larger than 12’’ x 6’’ x 12’’ inside the arena. Guests who bring backpacks or large bags will be asked to return them to their car before entering the building. There are not seats for baby carriers and diaper bags.

Accessibility Services

An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided at the commencement ceremony for guests with hearing impairments. Closed captioning is also provided on large screens near the commencement stage. Assistive listening system receivers are available at Guest Relations, located on the main concourse level. Personal identification must be submitted and will be held until the receiver is returned. Seating near the interpreter is available to guests with hearing impairments. An elevator is located on the west side, to the left upon entering the main door of the lobby, to access seating areas. Posted signs and university staff will direct the guest and one companion to an accessible seating section in the Addition Financial Arena. Guests will have to check their walking assistive device if they choose to sit in the regular bowl seating area and not the accessible seating section. Posted signs and university staff will direct the guest and one companion to an accessible seating section in the Addition Financial Arena. Wheelchairs are not provided.

Other Services

First aid is available on the main concourse level of the Addition Financial Arena. Paramedics will be available onsite throughout each ceremony. Lost and Found is located at the Addition Financial Arena Guest Relations office on the main concourse. Guests can purchase graduation day flower bouquets and leis at the Addition Financial Arena the day of commencement. Guests can also pre-order flower items online prior to the day of commencement at a discount price. Orders can be picked up at the Addition Financial Arena before and during each ceremony, but they are only permitted to be given to graduates after the ceremony. UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus.

Preparing for the Ceremony

Arrival Time

Plan to arrive approximately one hour prior to the ceremony. Graduates arrive at the Addition Financial Arena 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to their commencement ceremony.

What to Wear

Guests should be made aware that the temperature inside the Addition Financial Arena is much cooler than outside, and they should plan to bring a jacket or sweater. Graduates are encouraged to order their cap and gowns sooner rather than later to allow ample time for your order to be delivered to your home. Graduates are encouraged to order their cap and gowns sooner rather than later to allow ample time for your order to be delivered to your home. The tassel on a graduate’s cap must be their college tassel and not the black and gold souvenir tassel. Note: Baccalaureate degree candidates wear tassels on the right. Graduate degree candidates wear tassels on the left. Bachelor’s and master’s graduates are allowed to keep the cap and tassel ONLY. A late fee of $40.00 will be assessed between Monday, December 15, 2025, and Friday, December 19, 2025, with the return of the gown. Credit cards will be charged full price for any regalia not returned by Monday, December 22, 2025 ($450.00 for bachelor’s, $750.00 for master’s and $1,350.00 for doctoral regalia).

Security Check

A security check will be conducted for all guests and graduates entering the arena. It’s recommended that you limit those to car keys, cell phone and your reader card.

Reader Cards

Reader cards are distributed with tickets and parking passes. Graduates need to bring their reader card to the ceremony.

The Ceremony Experience

Duration

The commencement ceremony should last approximately two hours.

Photography and Videography

Your family may take photos and videos during the event. However, photos need to be taken from their seats in the arena. Graduates will be photographed at the ceremony by professional photographers.

Read also: Commencement Speakers at UCLA

Diplomas and Honors

Diplomas and certificates are not distributed at the ceremony. Commencement attendees will receive a diploma cover. The University shall confer baccalaureate honors recognition on those students who have completed a minimum of 48 credit hours at UCF. Baccalaureate Honors awarded will be based on the overall cumulative GPA including transfer credit at the start of the term in which they will graduate. Records for the term of graduation are incomplete at the time the Commencement Program is printed. For students who earn baccalaureate honors, the Honor cords will only be available for purchase at the time of ticket pickup during the designated ticket-pickup week at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on East Plaza Drive. Honor cords from various honor societies may be worn if they are the designation of an officially recognized group.

Celebrating the Achievement

Grad Walk

Graduates, you’re invited to walk across the commencement stage while loved ones record and photograph this milestone moment in your collegiate career. Each graduate can bring up to ten (10) guests. ONLY the graduate should be registered in advance. Guests aged 18 and older must bring a valid driver’s license for entry. There are no time slots. Check-in is on a first-come, first-served basis. Regalia is not required to participate. Complimentary parking is available in Garage D, F and H . Mobility impaired individuals may be dropped off in front of the Addition Financial Arena prior to parking.

Post-Ceremony Festivities

Get your family together and celebrate graduation. your very own. Here are just a few ideas. Get your cameras ready graduates! Strike a pose for portraits at one of the most iconic spots on campus - The Reflecting Pond. Graduation announcements cannot be used for admission.

Additional Information

Regalia

There is a late deadline for regalia on November 7, 2025. All rental orders placed after October 31 will be assessed a rush fee. Note: Guest tickets and reader cards will only be distributed to graduates with current semester (Fall 2025) regalia rental orders and who filed an approved Intent to Graduate application on time. Availability of sizes for official regalia cannot be guaranteed after November 7th.

Simulcast Viewing

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. The Alumni Center’s seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

UCF Online Students

UCF Online Students who have preordered regalia pick up guest tickets at the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center located near the Addition Financial Arena on the main campus during one of the ticket pick up dates. Online Students that haven’t ordered regalia yet or need to pick up tickets late, should contact the UCF Bookstore on East Plaza Drive to make arrangements at 407-882-0365.

Hotel Accommodations

A variety of hotel accommodations are available near UCF. Contact the hotels directly to inquire about any discounts or special rates for guests attending the UCF Commencement.

Questions

Guests with questions should contact the Addition Financial Arena at 407-823-3070. Questions about Grad Walk?

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