Yes, Rice University’s December commencement ceremony is a private, ticketed event. A ticket is required for entry to Tudor Fieldhouse. Below is important information about the ticket claiming process for the ceremony.

• Each degree candidate can request up to 15 guest tickets. Degree candidates may request additional tickets, as needed. Tickets are not transferable. Requests for additional tickets must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 1, and will be approved if space permits.
• An email with details on how to claim tickets has been sent to each degree candidate’s Rice email address. It is the degree candidate’s responsibility to claim their guest tickets via the unique URL sent to them.
• Once guest tickets have been claimed by the degree candidate, it is their responsibility to send the tickets to their guests. The system will provide an option to either email the tickets to guests or to print the tickets. Guests will need to either pull up the ticket on their mobile device or have a physical copy to gain entry to the venue.
• All guests over the age of 2 years old will be required to have a ticket for entry.
• Rice students, faculty and staff guests will be granted entry with their Rice ID.
• Reentry into Tudor Fieldhouse will not be permitted after exiting.

Invitations to claim guest tickets will remain open until the conclusion of the December Commencement ceremony.

Bags will not be checked. Prohibited items for Tudor Fieldhouse entry are noted below:

• Weapons of any kind
• Pets (Exception: service animals)
• Tobacco products
• Food and beverages (Exceptions: food for small children or medical issues; factory sealed bottled water)
• Unauthorized banners, signs or flags
• Artificial noisemakers
• Oversized bags, briefcases, coolers, etc. (Exception: diaper bags)
• Laser pointers

Complimentary parking will be available in West Lot 4. For easy access, enter campus at Entrances 17 or 18 on Rice Boulevard at Stadium Drive or at Entrance 8 on University Boulevard at Stockton Drive. Guests will be permitted to drop their group off in the drop-off zone in front of Tudor Fieldhouse.

Those utilizing riding sharing services should note that the designated pick-up/drop-off area is in front of the George R. Brown Tennis Center on O'Connor Way.

A very limited number of parking spaces have been reserved in the Moody Lot for guests requiring closer parking to the venue. Access to this parking lot will be directly off University Boulevard, between Greenbriar Drive and Entrance 18 at Stockton Drive. Please contact commencement@rice.edu if you anticipate needing access to this lot.

Students should not bring large bags or purses — there will be no place to store these items. Personal items should be left with family or friends that may be in attendance.

Doors will open 1.5 hours prior to each ceremony, graduates should plan to arrive by 9:15 a.m. to ensure you are in the correct spot. Upon arrival, please proceed to Fox Gym, connected to Tudor Fieldhouse, for lineup and staging. Your guests may begin taking their seats inside the venue at this time.

The December 2025 Commencement Ceremony is indoors, but we recommend checking the weather and possibly bringing an umbrella.