Graduation 2026

Aldrich Arena Information

Our in-person commencement ceremony is Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. at Aldrich Arena (1850 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109).

• Parking: There is ample, free parking available surrounding the arena. There is free parking at Aldrich Arena. There is also overflow parking available in the neighboring church
• Time and place for entry: Seniors must report to the ramp area at the west end of the arena by 6:00 p.m. Doors to the arena will open at 5:45 p.m. for spectators. Spectators will enter the main entrance on the east end of the arena. All visitors and staff will be subject to search upon entry.
• Tickets: All tickets will have a barcode/QR code that will be scanned; once it is scanned, it will be voided. Copies of the ticket will not work. No one will be admitted without a ticket. Each senior receives up to 8 tickets (the graduate does not need a ticket). Tickets cannot be purchased. Please note that there is no re-entry into the arena.
• Seating: There is general bleacher seating available. There will be no seating on the floor. The accessible seating is located on the top row of the arena and can be found to the left and right upon entering the arena.
• Bag policy: Small bags (up to 12" x 12") are allowed and are subject to search. There will be security at the event, who will do bag checks.
• Programs: Printed programs will be available upon arrival.
• Food, drink and other guidance: Concessions will not be available at Aldrich Arena. This is a smoke-free event.
• Electronics: We ask that if you have a child whom you let watch your iPhone, iPad, or tablet, that you please bring headphones for them. We ask that all phone volumes are turned off or headphones are worn in order to respect other spectators in the stands. If you are using an app to broadcast the event to a family member or friend, we ask that, out of respect for others, you please mute the volume.
• Prohibited items: Balloons and airhorns are among a list of items not allowed in the arena. Please review the full list below before arriving to ensure no belongings are confiscated or you are asked to remove anything from the arena.

As we work to create a welcoming and inviting event for all, noisemakers like air horns, signs that block people’s view and balloons are not allowed. Staff at the event will turn away items at their discretion to help create an environment that supports the celebration and recognition of each graduate. See a full list of prohibited items below and on the website.

 

Information for Graduates

• Senior report time: All seniors must report by 6:00 p.m. Seniors who are not there by 6:00 p.m. may not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
• Senior attire: Students are aware that they are not to decorate their graduation caps. They have the opportunity to wear stoles that they purchase and/or design. Students are asked to fully zip their gowns before walking onto the stage. Students will be walking up stairs and will be on their feet for a portion of the event; therefore, high-heeled shoes are discouraged. Students will be checked prior to walking into the ceremony.
• Any students not in compliance with these guidelines will not be allowed to walk in the ceremony.

 

Leave These Items at Home

This list of prohibited items is standard for venues and events like this and includes:

• Alcohol
• Animals (except service animals)
• Backpacks, luggage, grocery, duffle bags, large bags, large purses, cinch bags, computer bags, briefcases (only small bags/purses are allowed)
• Balloons
• Balls (beach balls, footballs, baseballs, etc.)
• Banners or signs exceeding 24” x 36”
• Boxes, wrapped gifts or items
• Coolers of any kind, including small soft packs
• Fireworks
• Illegal drugs
• Laser pointers
• Markers (permanent) and/or paint
• Noisemaking devices – including blow horns
• Offensive or profane signage
• Outside food and drinks
• Pepper spray or mace (aerosol or gel)
• Smoking devices (vape pens, e-cigars, tank systems, etc.)
• Sticks, selfie sticks, and flag poles
• Tobacco and vape products
• Weapons of any kind