President Donald J. Trump will give a special commencement address to The University of Alabama class of 2025 during an event scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 1, in Coleman Coliseum. More Info >>>
The ceremony will also feature comments from UA President Stuart R. Bell and Nick Saban, former coach of the Crimson Tide football team.
Previously planned college ceremonies will still be held.
Event Livestream
A livestream of the special commencement address will be available at commencement.ua.edu Thursday evening.
Event Details
This optional event is open only to ticket holders. Tickets are free and non-transferable. Tickets were made available to 2025 graduates and guests and other members of the UA campus community.
Attendees should plan to arrive at least two hours early as enhanced security measures will be in place. Doors to the Coliseum will open at 3 p.m.
Severe Weather
If there is severe weather or nearby lightning, shelter will be available at the Capstone Parking Deck on the northeast corner of 2nd Avenue and Bryant Drive. A cooling station and portable restrooms will be available near the queue for the security checkpoint.
Parking
Parking will be available in the Soccer Lot that can be accessed from University Boulevard with shuttle bus services to and from Coleman Coliseum.
Event Security
Because the President of the United States will be attending the ceremony, security for the event will be significantly heightened. Consistent with the enhanced security expectations, all attendees who voluntarily choose to attend this optional event must conduct themselves in accordance with campus policies and Secret Service rules. Any effort to inappropriately disrupt the ceremony or any speaker will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, disruptive demonstrations or heckling and other obstructive conduct as well as engaging in obstructive actions (e.g., standing or holding/raising any item that potentially obstructs someone’s view, etc.). Individuals who engage in such conduct will be subject to discipline.
The University reserves the right to deny access or immediately remove any individual who fails to adhere to the expectations for the event or relevant campus policies.
Be prepared to go through an enhanced security checkpoint. By entering the secured area, you are consenting to a search of your person and your belongings.
- Prohibited items include umbrellas. In the event of rain, ponchos or rain jackets are encouraged.
- Other prohibited items include pocketknives; cameras with telephoto lenses over 6” long; glass, thermal, or metal bottles; any banners, flags, signs or placards. A full list of prohibited items is included below.
FOR TICKETED GUESTS:
- Pedestrian access to the entry lines will be via 2nd Avenue.
- Entrance to the event will be through the Coliseum’s main doors at the north entrance facing Bryant Drive.
- Entry lines will queue in the parking lot on the east side of Coleman Coliseum.
- Attendees requiring wheelchairs must arrive with their chair. Wheelchairs will not be provided for guests.
- Plan to be seated by 6 p.m.
- The Alabama Crimson Tide Mobile App must be downloaded to access tickets.
- Students should note – this is not the same procedure used for student access to the Coliseum for sporting events.
- For step-by-step instructions to download mobile tickets, please visit the Athletics website.
- For resolution of on-site ticket issues, go to Gate 8/9 at Sewell Thomas Stadium.
- If you opted in for guest tickets, your guests must be present with you for security and entrance to the event. Guests will not be allowed to enter separately.
- Graduates should plan to wear UA-issued regalia and should carry it in hand through the security checkpoint.
In line with UA Athletics facilities procedures, attendees may only bring bags permitted by the clear bag policy. Metal detectors will be used at entrances.
By entering this secured area you are consenting to a search of your person and your belongings.
Prohibited Items Include:
- Aerosols
- Ammunition
- Animals (service animals are permitted)
- Artificial Noisemakers (bells, horns, whistles, cow bells, etc.)
- Banners/Flags/Signs/Placards
- Balloons/Projectiles/Laser Pointers/Light Sticks/etc.
- Bicycles
- Cameras with telephoto lenses over 6” long
- Cans
- Clear bags over 12” x 6” x 12” & Non-clear bags over 4 ½” x 6 ½”
- Coolers
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft
- Fireworks/Explosives/Flammable Material (e.g., confetti poppers)/disabling chemicals (e.g., mace/pepper spray)
- Glass, thermal, or metal bottles (empty plastic cups or bottles are permitted)
- Large electronics
- Non-ADA compliant mobility devices
- Outside food and/or drink, including alcohol (exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs)
- Range Finders
- Seat backs larger than a single seat (16” wide)
- Sticks/Tripods/Poles/Selfie Sticks
- Strollers/Car Seats
- Structures
- Toy guns
- Umbrellas
- Weapons and firearms
- Any other item deemed dangerous, unnecessary, inappropriate or suspicious in nature
Surrendered items will not be returned.
FAQs
No. The May 1 event featuring an address by President Trump is an optional event open to 2025 graduates and their guests, a limited number of faculty and staff, and special guests.
No. This May 1 event is a special opportunity for 2025 graduates, faculty/staff and special guests to hear a special commencement address from President Donald J. Trump in addition to the official degree conferment exercises scheduled for May 2-4.
There are no changes to the visitor policies for the May 2-4 ceremonies. The May 1 special commencement address by President Trump is a closed event for ticketholders only.
No. Tickets are free. Tickets must be requested by those who receive an email invitation by the posted deadline.
Information about tickets was emailed directly to 2025 graduates, faculty, staff and other students and their guests.
Information about tickets was emailed directly to 2025 graduates. A limited number of tickets were made available to faculty, staff and other students on a first-come, first-served basis. Invitations to opt in for tickets are being sent via email.
No. In line with UA Athletics facilities procedures, attendees may only bring bags permitted by the clear bag policy. Metal detectors will be used at entrances.
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