Entering the Petersen Events Center
All entrances to the John M. and Gertrude E. Petersen Events Center will open at 1 p.m. and are fully accessible. Please refer to the information below for specific guest and graduate entry points.
- Graduate Entrance
Doors open at 1 p.m. Graduates are to enter the Zoo Entrance ONLY. Arrive fully dressed in regalia with your Name Announcement Card printed and in hand. This is your ticket to enter the venue. If you do not have your Name Announcement Card, you will not be allowed to enter. A digital version of your Name Announcement Card on any device will not be accepted.
Graduates must arrive no later than 2 p.m. and be seated within their school by 2:30 p.m. Graduates who are not in their seats by the start of the procession may be held in the lobby and seated after the formal procession.
The Zoo Entrance is located to the right of the Panthers Ticket Office windows.
- Guest Entrances
Doors open at 1 p.m. Guests may enter either through the Thomas E. Richards Family Lobby or Concourse A.
The Thomas E. Richards Family Lobby is located on the lower campus side of the Petersen Events Center near the corner of Desoto and Terrace Streets.
The Concourse A entrance is located on the upper campus side of the Petersen Events Center on Allequippa Street.
Concourse A
Thomas E. Richards Lobby Entrance
Guest Seating
Digital tickets claimed by your graduate are for general admission entrance, and guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those needing special assistance, there is ample seating along the back of each section throughout the lower bowls of the Petersen Events Center. Ushers will be in place to help guests locate these areas. Family seating is almost always found directly with these seating sections, so families should be able to sit with each other.
Commencement Safety
For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, please review the list of items not permitted at the University of Pittsburgh’s Winter University-wide Commencement Ceremony.
We are excited to celebrate the achievements of our graduates. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and stellar commencement experience for everyone.
Petersen Events Center Clear Bag Policy
Please review the Clear Policy that will be in effect on December 14. Below are key takeaways:
- What is allowed
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- Logo on bag cannot exceed 4.5″ tall by 3.4″ wide
- Small clutch purses, approximately the size of a hand, or 4.5″ x 6.5″ with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the arena along with one of the clear bag options
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at entry
- Diaper Bags are permitted, but will be searched and tagged by Security Personnel.
- Each member of a family, including children, will be able to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse.
- Poster tubes are allowed. The tubes must be empty and are subject to a security inspection at gate entry.
- Exceptions
Exceptions will be made after inspection for the following items. Be sure to enter the designated screening door at each gate.
- Medical Bags
- Diaper Bags
- Camera bags
- Video equipment: video cameras, GoPros, Gimbals, Selfie Sticks, DJIs
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Prohibited Items
- Coolers, backpacks and sealed packages (including gifts for athletes and/or performers)
- Food or Beverage, with the exception of special medical needs
- Cans, bottles, glass or other similar containers
- Air horns or noisemakers
- Weapons of any kind
- Spiked or studded jewelry and belts
- Laptops
- Pepper Spray or Mace
- Laser Pointers
- Animals, except for those performing disabled service duty
- Electronic Cigarettes cannot be used inside the building
- Signs, banners, flags, posters larger than 3' x 2' or any other item that:
- obstructs the view
- deemed offensive
- pose a danger or a possible security risk
- No Poles/Sticks for flags or signs
- Additional Safety Procedures
- The Petersen Evetns Center reserves the right to inspect all bags, purses and items.
- To ensure everyone’s safety, wanding and / or detectors will be conducted for each guest entering the facilities. You will not be granted access to the facility if you refuse this procedure.
