UT Austin's commencement is Saturday. See road closures, parking and prohibited items

Yahoo

10-05-2025

The University of Texas class of 2025 is celebrating its graduation this weekend, marking the university's 142nd graduation ceremony.
The universitywide commencement ceremony will be 7 p.m. Saturday at Royal-Memorial Stadium. Gates open for guests and graduate seating at 5:30 p.m. Graduates are required to present a ticket to enter graduate seating.
Here's everything you need to know this weekend.
This year's commencement speaker is Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed screenwriter and director best known for the hit Paramount Network series "Yellowstone" and its Texas-filmed spin-offs "1883" and "1923."
He is also the creator of "Landman," largely filmed in Texas, which offers a glimpse into the lives of oil rig workers and draws on insight from Texans to ensure accuracy.
'As a native Texan and a visionary storyteller, Taylor Sheridan has redefined the modern Western genre while remaining deeply connected to the spirit and resilience of our great state,' said UT interim President Jim Davis. 'His journey to the top of the entertainment field is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity and staying true to one's roots — values that resonate deeply with Longhorn Nation. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Forty Acres as this year's ceremony speaker.'
Sheridan also owns and operates two Texas ranches, including the legendary Four Sixes (6666) Ranch.
He is not a UT graduate but briefly attended Texas State University just down the road before leaving school in 1991.
According to a commencement ceremony parking and shuttle map, the roads that will experience closures surround the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium include:
DeLoss Dodds Way
East 20th Street
Trinity Street
East 25th Street
Robert Dedman Drive
Local access is only allowed at:
Clyde Littlefield Drive
San Jacinto Boulevard. between East 24th Street and East Dean Keeton Street
Robert Deadman Drive between East 25th Street and East Dean Keeton Street
Red River Street
East 21st Street becomes limited to private vehicle access starting at Wichita Street, continuing down Jester Circle and Brazos Street.
Several parking garages and lots are available across campus and are free to graduates and guests. However, the university warns that many frequently reach capacity during commencement events, and guests are encouraged to have backup parking plans in other garages.
A fleet of free, accessible shuttles will transport guests with limited mobility from the Health Center Garage on Trinity Street to several points around the stadium starting at 4 p.m.
A clear bag policy is in effect at all UT event venues. Approved bags include one large clear bag (max 12' x 6' x 12') and one small clutch (max 4.5' x 6.5', non-clear). Prohibited items include:
Non-clear bags over 4.5' x 6.5' or clear bags exceeding 12' x 6' x 12' (e.g., grocery totes, duffle bags, camera cases)
Artificial noisemakers
Large bags
Banners, flags, flag poles, selfie sticks, signs and umbrellas
Cameras with detachable lenses over 10', GoPros, video cameras and tripods
Coolers
Explosive and flammable materials, disabling chemicals and other dangerous items
Flower vases (bouquets are allowed, but not vases)
Food (except snacks for medical purposes)
Outside beverages (except one sealed water bottle up to 1 liter; there are water fountains on site)
Items deemed safety hazards (Frisbees, balloons, laser pointers, fireworks, etc.)
Tobacco products (the campus is tobacco-free)
Weapons
Pets are not allowed except for service dogs, which must be harnessed or tethered and identifiable.
To read more on prohibited items and the clear bag policy, visit the ceremony's security information website.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: UT Austin graduation 2025: Road closures, parking and prohibited items