Thousands of people will flock to Tuscaloosa for University of Alabama graduation events the weekend of May 3-4, 2025.

The university is creating a special pre-commencement event to accommodate a historic visit by President Donald Trump.

More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students are expected to finish degrees and claim their diploma.

Here are some commencement details if you plan to attend one of the many events (or to avoid the traffic). More information can be found at the university’s FAQ.

Schedule of graduation events

All graduation events are at Coleman Coliseum at 1201 Coliseum Drive in Tuscaloosa.

Doors open one hour before the ceremony begins, and each event should last 1.5 hours.

Thursday, May 1

Trump is speaking to graduates at a ticketed event.

Al.com reached out to the university for more details on registering for the event, the cost of tickets and if the public can attend.

Friday, May 2

1:30 p.m.: College of Arts and Sciences (Last names A-L)

4:30 p.m.: College of Arts and Sciences (Last names M-Z)

7:30 p.m.: College of Engineering & School of Social Work

Saturday, May 3

8:30 a.m.: Capstone College of Nursing, College of Community Health Sciences & College of Human Environmental Sciences

Noon: College of Communication and Information Sciences & College of Education

3:30 p.m.: Culverhouse College of Business I (Last names A-L)

7 p.m.: Culverhouse College of Business II (Last names M-Z)

Sunday, May 4

2 p.m.: School of Law

What to know about events

Graduating students have specific instructions on how to participate. Go to UA’s commencement website for more information.

Can I watch online?

Yes. If you’d rather avoid the traffic but still want to support a graduate, the ceremonies will be livestreamed on UA’s commencement site and archived.

Do I need to register for tickets?

For the Trump event on May 1, yes. AL.com will post more information on this event as details are released.

However, for all the other ceremonies, no tickets are needed. Graduates can invite as many guests as they please and guests can seat themselves.

Can I bring food to a graduation event?

No outside food or drinks are allowed, but several concessions will be open selling pre-packaged snacks, drinks and water.

What will security be like?

Anticipate tight security at Thursday’s Trump appearance. Also, there may be airport delays as all planes are grounded while Air Force One is traveling. AL.com will obtain and share more details on security measures.

Metal detectors will be present at ceremony entrances.

Will there be a clear bag rule?

For the graduation ceremonies, you can only bring clear bags into the coliseum.

Where can I park for graduation events?

Free parking and shuttles are available in the Soccer Lot, Lot A at 120 4th St.

The Capstone Parking deck on 921 2nd Ave. will be open, but no shuttles will be provided. To get more details on parking, go to UA’s commencement page.

Is there accessible parking and seating available?

Bring state-issued credentials to use accessible parking. Guests can be dropped off in front of the Coliseum in designated areas.

Accessible seating is first-come, first-served and “plentiful,” according to UA’s commencement site.