Attendee Information

Attending Commencement as a Guest? Find What You Need to Know Here.

We invite family and friends of Howard University graduates to join us in the 156th Commencement celebration! Howard University is honored to host TIAA president and CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett as the convocation oratorix. Security protocols require that all attendees of the commencement ceremony present a ticket to access reserved and general seating at the event.

Please find important information about parking, accommodations, seating, and more below. This information will be updated frequently; please check back often to confirm information in real-time.

Capital One Arena FAQS

The Capital One Arena enforces a clear bag policy. All attendees are required to comply with the Arena’s policy on bags, medical bags and backpacks. We ask all graduates and guests to specifically note the section on allowed cameras and filming equipment. Balloons and large umbrellas are also prohibited, but entrants are allowed to carry small, collapsible umbrellas. 

Arena FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do graduates, faculty, staff, or guests need a new ticket to enter Capital One Arena?

A commencement ticket indicating your constituent group and a valid photo ID are all that are required for faculty, employees, and guests. Graduates who are academically and financially cleared for participation by the University and participating faculty and staff may enter the venue without a ticket if they are in full academic regalia.

The 156th Commencement will celebrate the largest graduating class yet at Howard University. Each graduate will initially receive five (5) tickets for guests, with the possibility that more tickets may become available. Please check back for updates, as we're committed to accommodating as many guests as possible to share in this special milestone for the Class of 2024.

Prospective graduates who are academically cleared are eligible to retrieve their allocation of guests tickets. The ticket distribution will be held at the Howard University Bookstore (2nd floor). Please review the ticket distribution schedule to determine when specific schools and colleges are allowed to pick-up tickets. Student ticket distribution will also be held at the Capital Arena Box Office, which is located at the F Street Main Entrance, from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11.

Do graduates have to report to campus before going to the Capital One Arena? 

All graduates, faculty, and guests must report directly to the Capital One Arena for the commencement convocation. You do not need to report to campus first. Howard University will not be providing transportation for graduates, faculty, staff or guests to Capital One Arena.

All commencement participant (faculty, staff, and prospective graduates) should report directly to Capital One Arena, located at G Street Alley entrance (midway on Seventh Street NW, between F and G Streets NW), to be seated. Arena doors will open to all guests at 7:30 a.m. The processional will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Guests attending the commencement convocation must enter through the doors on F Street NW, between 6th and 7th Streets NW. Guests MUST have a ticket to enter the arena.

The University will not offer satellite viewing locations on campus for the event.

We encourage everyone to consider available options for public transportation, taxi, or rideshare service to avoid traffic delays which may impact your ability to enter the venue. Details on transportation directly to the arena are available here.

What time should graduates arrive at the arena, and by what time must they arrive to ensure access?

Graduates are expected to arrive at the Capital One Arena by 7 a.m. Arena doors will open to all guests at 7:30 a.m. The processional will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Where should guests, faculty, and graduates enter the arena and by what time must they arrive? 

Graduates, faculty and all participants in the processional are expected to arrive at the Capital One Arena by 7 a.m. Arena doors will open to all guests at 7:30 a.m. The processional will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Please note the following details for arena access:  

For guests and non-participating faculty and staff:
Main entrance: 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004  

  • All tickets will be required at this point.

For faculty and graduates in full academic regalia:
Gallery Place Entrance: G Street Alley entrance (on 7th Street NW; midway between G and F Streets NW)

  • All graduates and faculty must be in full academic regalia to enter.  

  • Upon arrival, graduates will be directed to the appropriate section to gather and be seated prior to the processional.

  • Faculty will be directed to their assembly location. 

  • Due to space constraints, all graduate meet-ups will take place outside of the facility immediately following the recessional. The recessional will lead graduates out of the arena to 6th Street and families are encouraged to meet the graduates outside of the building on F Street at the close of the commencement ceremony. 

Where can graduates and guests park near the Capital One Arena? 

Capital One Arena partners with SpotHero to provide access to nearby parking lots and garages within easy walking distance of Capital One Arena. Once purchased, parking passes are emailed instantly and can be printed at home or redeemed by mobile phone, and entry to your selected location is 100% guaranteed. 

To reserve your parking spot, visit the Capital One Arena SpotHero Parking page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up. 

To view real-time parking options and prices, click to download the SpotHero app.  

What can I bring to Capital One Arena? 

According to the Arena's Policy, bags, backpacks and purses will not be permitted inside the Arena. Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5” x 7” and medical bags and parenting bags no larger than 14" x 14" x 6" will be permitted.  All bags permitted are subject to security screening.  If you are bringing a medical or parenting bag, please use the Capital One Cardholder Entrance on the corner of 6th and F Street.

Where should graduates and guests go if they need help with wheelchair or walker access? 

Howard University and Capital One Arena are committed to supporting our guests requiring ADA access and assistance.

Mobility Devices 

Howard University does not explicitly provide mobility devices to individual guests or employees for commencement. However, “Capital One Arena is happy to provide escorts/transports with wheelchairs inside the arena for guests with disabilities or special needs. This service can be requested at Guest Services or as you enter the building (by speaking with any Capital One Arena Team Member) at all entry points.”  

Capital One Arena offers accessible seating in an integrated setting on all levels. Such accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Prior to visiting Capital One Arena, feel free to contact our Accessible Seating Specialists at 202-661-5065 or by email at boxoffice@monumentalsports.com for additional information.

Restrooms 

All Capital One Arena restrooms are accessible to patrons with disabilities. Capital One Arena also has family bathrooms on each level across from section 114, section 215, and section 400 (at the top of the F street escalator).  

Service Animals 

Capital One Arena welcomes disabled guests who need a dog as a service animal when the dog has been individually trained or is in training to do work or perform tasks for the guest. Comfort animals are prohibited in Capital One Arena for Howard University’s commencement.  

Per Capital One Arena’s policy, “Guests using a service animal will be responsible for the animal’s care and supervision when present at Capital One Arena. We recommend that the Office of Student Accessibility be notified before commencement via email at OSS.disabilityservices@howard.edu if special accommodation is needed for service animals.  

Sign Language Interpreters 

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be provided for Howard University’s commencement ceremonies.