Fall 2025 Commencement is returning to the Colorado Convention Center. At the same time, the Christkindlmarket will be happening on the Auraria Campus across the street. With both events drawing big crowds, parking and navigation will need extra attention this year. The Office of University Events shared its top tips to help marshals, guests and grads have a great day.
Plan ahead for parking
Marshals and volunteers will receive free parking on the Auraria campus. The Commencement team will provide parking codes via email and suggest using the Nutmeg and Maple lots, which are closest to the Convention Center.
Graduates will receive a parking code by email that reduces the Auraria Campus weekend parking rate from $20 to $8.25. The same code will be posted on the Commencement website, and grads and their guests are encouraged to use it for convenient, discounted parking. Guests are welcome to park in other nearby lots or use alternative transportation if they prefer.
Because Commencement day coincides with increased activity on the Auraria Campus and in downtown Denver, everyone is encouraged to allow extra time for travel and parking before the ceremony. Arriving early will help ensure a smooth start to the day’s celebrations.
Prepare for single-level seating
The Colorado Convention Center features single-level seating, rather than the arena-style seating some may remember from the Coliseum. As a result, those seated farther back will be a greater distance from the stage. The Commencement Team will hand out flyers that display where each school is sitting, so guests can choose their seats strategically in an effort to see their graduate better.
Look for wayfinding signage and support
The Convention Center is a large and active building that regularly hosts multiple events at once. To assist with navigation, MSU Denver will provide enhanced wayfinding signage guiding guests to Exhibit Halls A and F, where ceremonies will be held. Marshals will also be stationed throughout the venue to offer directions and support.
“Even as logistics evolve, the excitement, pride and tradition that define MSU Denver’s Commencement ceremony remain at the heart of the day,” said Jessica Fernandez, executive director of University Events.
For many students, Commencement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Faculty and staff volunteer marshals can help make the day truly special by showing up prepared for the day, having reviewed the duties of their assignment and being ready to cheer on the newest MSU Denver graduates.
