Transportation and Parking

Seattle University is offering complimentary parking for graduates and their guests during Commencement weekend, beginning Friday, June 13th at 3 p.m. until Monday, June 16th at 9 p.m.

Please note, University Parking regulations remain in effect, parking fees will be charged prior to and after those times.

If you are parking on campus outside of this timeframe, plan to pay for parking. Locate parking lots and payment options here: https://www.seattleu.edu/transportation-and-parking-services/visitor-parking/.  

To ensure a smooth experience, plan to arrive early to park, walk, and enter the arena before the ceremony commences. Seattle University staff will be on the Seattle Center and Climate Pledge Arena campus to assist you with making your way to the venue and answering any questions.

Multiple transportation options are offered for the convenience of attendees. Graduates are encouraged to carpool, take public transportation, rideshare, or catch the shuttle from Seattle University campus to Climate Pledge Arena.

Graduate Drop-off

• Graduates attending the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony are required to check in between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• Graduates attending the Graduate Commencement ceremony are required to check in between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• For quick and convenient drop-off, the designated drop-off area is on 1st Ave N between Lenny Wilkens Way and John St, adjacent to the Loading Dock.

• Upon dropping off graduates, drivers will continue north on 1st Ave N, turn right onto Mercer St, and proceed to the parking areas.

Parking at Climate Pledge Arena

• Parking options are available at several locations surrounding the arena: Graduates and guests are advised to utilize the Mercer Street Garage, Memorial Stadium Parking Lot, or 5th Ave N Garage.

• Please follow parking instructions at each location for payment procedures.

Accessible Parking

• Accessible parking for individuals with disabilities (ADA) is provided in the Climate Pledge Arena Garage, located on Lenny Wilkens Way. Traffic control will be in effect and you will need to stop at a checkpoint along 2nd Avenue N before proceeding to this garage.

Shuttles from campus to Climate Pledge Arena will be provided on Monday, June 16th. These are intended for graduates, their guests and staff supporting the event. 

Shuttle Schedule & Map

Undergraduate Ceremony:

• 8:15 a.m. | Shuttle service begins. The trip to Climate Pledge Arena takes approximately 30 minutes. All graduating students should board a shuttle between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. to arrive on time. Shuttles will continue to run from campus with the last departure at 9:30 a.m. for families. 
• 1:45 p.m. | Undergraduate ceremony shuttles from Climate Pledge to campus. Please board a shuttle promptly after the ceremony. Shuttles will run to campus until 3:00 p.m.

Graduate Ceremony:

• 2:45 p.m. | Shuttle service begins. The trip to Climate Pledge Arena takes approximately 30 minutes. All graduating students should board shuttles between 2:45 and 3:15 p.m. to arrive on time. Shuttles will continue to run from campus with the last departure at 3:30 p.m. for families. 
• 7:00 p.m. | Graduate ceremony shuttles from Climate Pledge to campus will routinely depart until 8:00 p.m.
• 8:00 p.m. | Final shuttle from Climate Pledge Arena to Seattle University. 

Campus parking and shuttle pick-up/drop off map:

*Red star is the shuttle pick-up/drop off location. Available parking in red circles.