Know Before You Go

Fall 2024 Ceremony Details

We Look forward to celebrating our graduates!

  • For: Summer 2024 & Fall 2024 Graduates
  • Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
  • Location: NRG Arena (1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054)
  • Ceremony Time: 
    • Start: 9:00 am
    • End: The ceremony can last up to 3-4 hours. Please plan to stay until the end of the ceremony.
  • Arrival Time: 
    • 7 AM: Arrival time for graduates.
    • 8 AM: To manage traffic, guests will be admitted into the building no earlier than one hour before the ceremony.
  • Parking: $22 (plus tax)
  • Livestream: On the day of the ceremony, your loved ones may visit hccs.edu/live to watch the ceremony live. 

Grads Click Here For Details  Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Guests Click Here For Details  Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Click Here to View Ceremony Livestream  Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

For Graduates

What You Need to Know About Parking and Venue Policies

Parking

  • Parking is available in the Blue Lot (Gate 9) for $22 (plus tax) per vehicle. NRG Park now only accepts credit card payments for parking. They will no longer be accepting cash.
  • After paying for parking, you will be guided to designated parking spaces based on the area's availability.
  • There will be plenty of signage to guide you, as well as parking attendants and officers from HCC PD who will assist you.

NRG Venue Policies

  • NRG Bag Policy: Only small bags under 11"x17" are allowed. Necessary diaper and medical bags are subject to inspection.
  • NRG Prohibited Items: Please review the full list on the NRG website to avoid any inconvenience.

What to Expect on the Day of the Ceremony

Before You Walk the Stage 

  • You’ll have many opportunities to capture lasting memories and photo ops (including with our mascot Swoop), mingle with fellow graduates, and enjoy some fun games!

Walking Across the Stage

  • Proceed to the student staging area with your GradPass (QR code) ready. Staff will assist you and answer questions. Remember to return to your seat after receiving your recognition and stay until the ceremony ends.
  • The ceremony can last up to 3-4 hours. Please plan to stay until the end.

 

For Guests

Arrival

  • Guests will be admitted to the building one hour before the ceremony begins at 8 AM.
  • Tickets are not required to enter the NRG Arena.
  • Important Note: If you are dropping off your graduate at their designated time, you will still not be admitted into the building until one hour before the ceremony begins.

Parking and Venue Policies

Parking

  • Parking is available in the Blue Lot (Gate 9) for $22 plus tax per vehicle. NRG Arena now only accepts credit card payments for parking. They will no longer be accepting cash.
  • After paying for parking, you will be guided to designated parking spaces based on the area's availability.
  • There will be plenty of signage to guide you.
  • If you need accessible parking, please ask onsite parking attendants and/or officers from HCC PD who will assist you.

Bag Policy

  • Only bags smaller than 11"x17" are allowed. Necessary diaper bags and medical bags are subject to inspection.
  • Prohibited Items: Please review the full list of prohibited items on the NRG Arena website, including weapons, firearms, large cameras, noisemakers, outside food or beverages (except for medical reasons and children), and more.

ADA Accommodations

  • Guests can find details about accessible parking and venue features in NRG's Accessibility Guide: https://www.nrgpark.com/accessibility-guide
  • Accessibility areas are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive on time to secure your spot.
  • Sign language and interpreting services will be provided at both ceremonies.