Getting to the Tacoma Dome

Graduates and guests should plan to park either around UW Tacoma campus and take the Tacoma Light Rail, or around the Tacoma Dome. 

Parking around UW Tacoma campus

There are multiple hourly parking lots around campus. In order to avoid traffic around the Tacoma Dome, we encourage you to park around campus and take the Tacoma Light Rail to the Dome. 

To celebrate and encourage participation, UW Tacoma will suspend enforcement in select parking lots on campus on Friday, June 13. 

For more information regarding available hourly rates and lot locations, please visit our Transportation Services department.

Parking around the Tacoma Dome

The use of Exit 133 from I-5 is not advised. This exit is generally closed for high volume traffic events and traffic will be re-routed. For real-time traffic, the Dome's staff recommend Waze.

Parking around the Dome is limited, so plan ahead and get there early. For more information about disability parking, parking rates, and lot locations, please visit the Tacoma Dome website. Parking at the Tacoma Dome ranges $10 to $30 (subject to change without notice).

Disability Parking
Parking lots E and K are for guests with disabilities and are van accessible. These lots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicles utilizing accessible parking lots must display appropriate placards, tabs, or license plates.

Graduate Check in begins at 8:30 a.m.

All graduates will enter through the Exhibition Hall. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. 

What you should know::

  • Graduates are encouraged to leave any bags, purses, or other hand-carried items in their cars or with family, as there is no secure location available to store your items. For more information about Tacoma Dome restrictions and policies, refer below.
  • If you need any updates to your name, you may visit the information/help desk at the check-in site.

Grad Pass

All graduates are required to check-in to receive a printed copy of their Grad Pass. Your Grad Pass contains a QR code that will be scanned before you walk the stage so make sure you hold onto it. 

Exhibition Hall Graduate Line Up

When graduates check in at the Exhibition Hall, you will then be instructed by the marshals to line up with your respective degree and school. Graduates will be separated into Purple and Gold lines. Guidance for the processional is provided below.

Download Here!

Guest Doors open 9 a.m.

All guests will be entering through all other designated doors. Doors will open for guests at 9 a.m. Please note that the Tacoma Dome has "clear bags only" policy (see below) and does NOT allow balloons inside.

Tickets are NOT required for guests attending the ceremony. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Parking

Parking Lots E & K are for guests with disabilities and are van accessible. These are sold on first come first serve basis.  All Tacoma Dome lots are wheelchair accessible. The parking fee for Tacoma Dome Parking Lots varies from $10-30 per parking space

Seating

The Tacoma Dome is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, and activities. The  designated seating area for wheelchair and mobility-concerned individuals is on the main floor, situated directed behind the graduates. This is accessible from the Lower NW Entrance.

Additional, first-come first-served accessible seating is available upon entering the Upper SW Entrance. 

Due to limited accommodation seating, guests needing accommodation may only have one attendant with them.

Livestream

Family members who can't make it to the ceremony can watch it live on the UW Tacoma Commencement website. Experience this once-in-a-lifetime event and celebrate your graduate's achievements wherever you are.

Watch Live!

Tacoma Dome Map and Graduate Seating Layout

A Tacoma Dome map with information such as student and guest entrance, accommodations assistance, help desk, and more is available for download below.

Download Now!

At the Tacoma Dome

Visit the Tacoma Dome website for more information regarding the venue. 

Clear Bag Policy

Like most large venues, the Tacoma Dome has a "clear bags only" policy to expedite entry and reduce touch points for security staff and guests. 

  • Bags may only be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, sized 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller
  • Small clutch purses are okay if sized 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller
  • One gallon plastic storage bags are okay
  • A limited amount of Binbox lockers are available for rent outside the venue for most major events on a first-come, first served basis. Rental fee is $10-$15 (subject to change). Card only, no cash please.

Please visit the Tacoma Dome website for the most accurate bag policy.

General Information

Guest tickets are not required for this year's ceremony. Only service animals are permitted.

Nursing & Changing Stations:
Private space is available at events for nursing mothers. The Nursing Mother's room is located on the west end floor level, behind Sections 109-113. Guests should contact their nearest guest services employee with any questions.

Strollers:
Fold-up strollers may be stored under your seat during events at the Tacoma Dome. If your stroller does not fit under your seat you may check it in prior to the event. 

Outside food and drink are not permitted. 
Visit the Tacoma Dome website for additional information.

Photography

Photographs will be taken as each graduate approaches the stage and as they cross the stage by Pro Pics.

UW Tacoma has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please go to www.UWTacomaPhotos.com to submit your information. If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact Pro Pics at info@propicsusa.com.

Register with Pro Pics Today!
Security Check

All guests are subject to bag searches and may also be subject to metal detector screening upon entry to the Tacoma Dome. 
Graduates will be inspected before admittance to the Exhibition Hall. 

In the interest of guest safety and enjoyment, the Tacoma Dome reserves the right to prevent certain items from being brought into the facility. Items including, but not limited to, the following are not allowed in the Tacoma Dome:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Cannabis
  • Bags that don't adhere to our Bag Policy
  • Outside food & beverage items
  • Glass or aluminum bottles or cans
  • Ice chests or hard-sided coolers
  • Camera tri-pods, mono-pods, GoPro poles, gimbals, and selfie sticks
  • Laptop computers, tablets, and iPads
  • Remotely controlled, small unmanned aircraft systems (a.k.a. drones)
  • Sticks or clubs (including signs attached to sticks)
  • Fireworks
  • Mace or pepper spray
  • Bullhorns, airhorns or other noisemakers
  • Confetti
  • Animals, comfort animals, or pets (service animals are allowed)
  • Beach balls or other inflatables
  • Umbrellas
  • Bicycles or scooters
  • Skateboards or roller blades
  • Squirt guns or super soakers
  • Balloons of any kind
  • Laser pointers
  • Weapons of any kind, regardless of permit (including but not limited to: firearms, knives, batons, mace, pepper spray, brass knuckles, tasers, etc.)
  • Stickers
  • Chains
  • Studded belts, bracelets, etc.
  • Chairs (lawn chairs, folding chairs)

Permitted Items:

  • Baby formula, baby bottles and baby food
  • Medication or other special needs
  • Binoculars
  • Seat cushions

You will be denied entry if you bring any of these items to the Tacoma Dome. 

The following are not allowed:

  • Disruptive behavior or unlawful acts
  • Solicitation, distribution, or selling of products
  • Scalping or re-sale of tickets
Public Health Guidance

We ask that you stay home if you are not feeling well or if you are experiencing symptoms of illness.

The University of Washington Tacoma is following the health guidance of the State of Washington and Pierce County for COVID protocols at this year’s Commencement. As of March 1, 2022, vaccine verification or proof of a negative COVID-19 test are not required by Washington State mandate to attend large events.

Wearing a mask is not required, but strongly recommended. Requirements may change, so please check our Public Health Guidance webpage or the Commencement website for up-to-date information.

Prevention Practices

The University asks graduates and their guests to be mindful of the following COVID-19 prevention practices:

  • Get vaccinated. Getting fully vaccinated, boosters and staying up to date on vaccines remains the leading COVID-19 prevention strategy. All attendees are highly encouraged to be vaccinated.
  • Stay home if sick. Monitor your health. If you have been instructed to isolate or quarantine, or you have COVID-19 symptom(s) (regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status), you must stay home.
  • Testing before attending the event is recommended. Many people will be coming together from many different communities and in large groups. Testing before gathering with others can help prevent spreading COVID-19.
  • Practice good hand hygiene. Wash or sanitize your hands at key times. Handwashing facilities and sanitizing stations will be located throughout the Fairgrounds.
  • Face coverings are recommended. Bring a face covering in case you need or want one. Limited supplies of face coverings will be available at centralized locations at the event.
    • Face coverings are strongly recommended indoors, especially for those who are  higher risk for severe illness or those who have high risk household members. Face coverings are also recommended for these individuals in outdoor crowded settings.
    • Follow posted building signage regarding face covering use.
  • Respect the personal space of others. Distance based on your comfort level and respect the physical distance others wish to maintain.
    Virtual viewing options are available for those who are unable to attend the event in-person.

Ceremony Conduct Agreement

Commencement is intended to be a festive occasion celebrating the accomplishments of our students. However, it is also ceremonial. Graduates are expected to abide by the following guidelines:

Cellphones

Please set your cell phone to “silent” or “vibrate” mode. Cell phones are permitted, but out of consideration for other participants, students are asked to make judicious use of phones and not use them during the formal speaking portions of the ceremony. 

Remain Seated

It is particularly important that students respect their fellow students and the faculty, administrators, and guests who have come to witness and participate in the conferring of their degrees. You are expected to return to your seat after crossing the stage and remain seated until the closing ceremonial music and the members of the stage party have exited. Wandering around the floor of the dome and visiting with guests in the stands is prohibited.

Dress Code & Etiquette

While commencement is a festive occasion, it is first and foremost a formal ceremony. Graduates are expected to wear their commencement regalia (cap and gown) throughout the ceremony. While we want our graduates to be comfortable, we expect everyone to keep their attire appropriate and avoid any imagery or messages that may be perceived as offensive. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and failure to comply may result to immediate dismissal from the premises. 

please also check out the Tacoma Dome's Code of Conduct. 

Photography

Out of consideration for other members of the audience, it is requested that those who wish to take photographs of portions of the ceremony remain in their seats and refrain from interfering with the view of others. Guests are not permitted on the main floor.

Photographs will be taken as each graduate approaches the stage and as they cross the stage by Pro Pics.

Register Today!

Procession

You will be grouped by your school and form a procession out to the main floor to be seated. The procession begins promptly at 10 a.m. Marshals will direct you during the procession but there will also be guides and markings to follow.

Conclusion of the Ceremony

When all the graduates have walked, closing remark has been delivered, and the closing ceremonial music has concluded, we encourage that all graduates meet their family outside on the Tacoma Dome plaza. 

You have another chance to get your pictures taken by our official photographer after the ceremony. Register with Pro Pics to get your information added ahead of time!

Register with Pro Pics!