Transportation and Parking
Browse the dropdown menus below for more information related to transportation and parking for Commencement 2025.
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
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Graduates attending the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony are required to check in between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
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Graduates attending the Graduate Commencement ceremony are required to check in between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Please follow parking instructions at each location for payment procedures.
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 Shuttle Schedule
To Climate Pledge Arena
| SU Departure | CPA Arrival | Group Prioritized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle 1 | 8:15am | 8:45am | Faculty & Staff assigned to begin shift at 9am |
| Shuttle 2 | 8:30am | 9:00am | Graduating students |
| Shuttle 3 | 8:45am | 9:15am | Graduating students |
| Shuttle 4 | 9:00am | 9:30am | Graduating students and families |
| Shuttle 5 | 9:30am | 10:00am | Families |
| Note: Buses may continue to run between SU and CPA depending on lines and needs |
To Seattle University Campus
| CPA Departure | SU Arrival | Group Prioritized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle 1 | 2:00pm | 2:30pm | All |
| Shuttle 2 | 2:15pm | 2:45pm | All |
| Shuttle 3 | 2:30pm | 3:00pm | All |
| Shuttle 4 | 2:45pm | 9:30am | All |
Graduate Ceremony Shuttle Schedule
To Climate Pledge Arena
| SU Departure | CPA Arrival | Group Prioritized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle 1 | 2:35pm | 3:05pm | Staff assigned to begin shift at 3pm |
| Shuttle 2 | 2:45pm | 3:15pm | Graduating students |
| Shuttle 3 | 3:15pm | 3:45pm | Graduating students and families |
| Shuttle 4 | 3:30pm | 4:00pm | Graduating students and families |
To Seattle University Campus
| CPA Departure | SU Arrival | Group Prioritized | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle 1 | 7:15pm | 7:45pm | All |
| Shuttle 2 | 7:30pm | 8:00pm | All |
| Shuttle 3 | 7:45pm | 8:15pm | All |
| Shuttle 4 | 8:00pm | 8:30pm | All |
Campus Parking and Shuttle Pick-up/Drop-off Map
*Red star is the shuttle pick-up/drop off location. Available parking in red circles.
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 Sue Bird Court before proceeding to this garage.