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Eastern Kentucky University

Office of the Registrar

Registrar 5 Guest Information

Guest Information

An image of an Eastern Kentucky University gradate hugging a guest.

Guest Commencement Day FAQ

Q: Where do I park?

A: All graduates and guests should park in the Alumni Coliseum parking lot. ADA parking will be in the Whitlock and Mattox Lots located in the upper left side of Alumni Coliseum (by the water tower). Overflow parking will be at the EKU Center for the Arts. Transportation service from the overflow lot to Alumni Coliseum will be provided.

Q: Is there accessible parking and seating?

A: If a member of your party has a physical disability, they may be dropped off at the ADA-accessible entrance on the left side of Alumni Coliseum. This entrance gives guests access to two areas of accessible seating.

For deaf and hearing-impaired guests, interpreters are provided for each ceremony.

Q: Where is guest seating?

A: Guest seating will be on a first-come-first-serve basis in the Baptist Health Arena in Alumni Coliseum. In the unlikely event that we reach guest capacity due to fire code, overflow seating will be available at the EKU Center for the Arts (located across from Alumni Coliseum at 822 Hall Drive) where the ceremony will be livestreamed.

Accessible seating is available at the concourse level via the accessible entrance to the upper arena. A portion of section 102 will be reserved for those seeking Interpreting Services. Please reach out to a member of our usher team on site for assistance. They will be stationed throughout the venue.

Q: How do I get to Alumni Coliseum?

A: I-75, EXIT 90 – The EKU campus can be accessed from I-75 via either Exit 90 or Exit 87. Those taking Exit 90 can either come through downtown or take the Bypass that virtually encircles the city and eventually leads to the campus.

A: US 25/421 – EKU can also be accessed from US 25/421 or KY 52 (Lancaster Road/Irvine Road). Roy and Sue Kidd Way (the campus street that runs in front of the football stadium) will be closed from the Eastern ByPass to Van Hoose Drive to facilitate pedestrian safety.

Q: What time should I arrive?

A: All guests should arrive no later than 30 minutes from the start of the ceremony. Graduates are required to arrive 1 hour before the start of the ceremony. Guests are welcome to arrive with their graduate but only graduates are allowed in the Fred Darling Auxiliary Gym (location of line-up).

Q: Will there be an opportunity to purchase flowers and graduation gifts?

A: Yes. The EKU Bookstore will have items available for purchase and will be located on the concourse level. The Commencement Group will have flowers available for purchase and will also be located on the concourse level.

Q: Will there be a livestream of the ceremony?

A: Family members and friends who are unable to attend EKU’s Commencement or College Convocations may view the ceremony online. The livestream will be available here.

Q: Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?

A: Professional photography will be provided. Candidates will be photographed walking across the stage. Proofs and information from the photographer will be sent to the student’s EKU email address approximately one week following the ceremony.

Office of the Registrar


521 Lancaster Avenue
Whitlock CPO 58, Room 239
Richmond, KY 40475-3102
Phone: 859-622-2320
Email: registrar@eku.edu