2024 Commencement Schedule

Both the Arena and Convention Center (all events) have a clear bag (maximum size 12" x 12" x 6") or small clutch (maximum size 6½" x 4½") policy.

Be sure to review the list of venue prohibited items (including common graduation items like balloons and signs over 8½" x 11") below.

Gas South District encourages all fans to arrive early and travel light.

• In the interest of enhancing existing security measures and enforcing the most touch-free experience possible, Gas South District^® requires clear bags.
• The safest and fastest way to enter the venue is to not bring a bag at all.
• No clear bag, purse, or drawstring larger than 12" x 12" x 6" will be permitted.
• All bags are subject to search before being allowed into the venue. Guests not allowing inspection of their bags or purses will be refused entry into the building.\
• Backpacks are not permitted.
• Diaper bags for guests accompanied by infant(s) will be permitted.
• Medically necessary bags that are required to transport medical equipment will be permitted.

These items are prohibited by the venue:

• Balloons
• Weapons of any kind
• Backpacks
• Bags, briefcases, or purses (see bag policy for clear bag and clutch allowances)
• Electronic devices larger than a cell phone (e.g. laptops, iPads or other tablets)
• Cameras with detachable lenses (As a general rule, if a camera cannot fit in your pocket, please refrain from bringing it.)
• Video cameras
• Selfie-sticks
• Signs on sticks or oversized signs (no larger than 8 1/2" x 11")
• Coolers or outside food/beverage
• Smoking of any kind, including but not limited to tobacco, vapor or e-cigarettes
• Illegal drugs
• Laser pointers
• Mace or pepper spray
• Spiked or studded jewelry
• Apparel with explicit wording or pictures
• Stickers
• Umbrellas over 24" long
• Strollers
• Animals except service animals

Gas South District management reserves the right to make the final determination on prohibited items. Gas South District is NOT responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen or damaged. Possession of prohibited items will be grounds for ejection from the Gas South District.

• All guests who are able to be screened will prepare to walk through a metal detector prior to entering the venues.
• All permitted bags will be searched by security personnel.
• If an alarm sounds, the guest will be subject to a secondary screening process which may slow entry into the venue.
• There are alternative screenings for expectant mothers, guests using wheelchairs, or those with a medical condition.

Gas South District^® meets or exceeds all public facility structural and service requirements as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Seating and Entrance Notes

Arena: The Arena has accessible seating located in all levels of the Arena. All levels of the Arena are accessible by elevator and escalator. Guests in wheelchairs should enter the building at the main entrance.

Convention Center: The Exhibit Hall and Ballroom will have designated areas for guests using mobility aids. Guests who are unable to descend stairs should follow the marked ADA Entrance signs when attending an event at the either the Exhibit Hall or Ballroom as the primary entrance points for this events are located at the bottom of stairs. The ADA Entrance path will guide you through the foyer to an elevator to reach a secondary screening area for either the Ballroom or the Exhibit Hall.

Parking

Arena: A limited number of designated handicap parking areas are located at the front of the Arena. The designated handicap parking spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Please contact a Parking Attendant to assist with drop-off or pick-up arrangements.  The Arena has ADA parking on all levels of the parking deck and ADA parking in the front lot. Drop-offs for ADA should use Arena Drive (traffic light on Sugarloaf Parkway) and may be dropped off at the front of the Arena near the crosswalk.

Convention Center Events:  The designated handicap parking spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Please contact a Parking Attendant to assist with drop off or pick up arrangements. The Convention Center has ADA parking in both Deck 1 and Deck 2. 

Wheelchairs

On-site Short-Distance Transfer: Gas South District is happy to provide wheelchair escorts for guests with special needs. This service is free and can be requested via our Guest Services team. Wheelchair escorts are available upon request at main entry points. Please be aware there may be a short wait while we assist other guests. So that we may assist multiple guests, please be aware that our staff will not remain with you during the event, nor are you allowed to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event.

Wheelchair Rental:

Emory does not provide wheelchair rental services. The following vendors are provided as a service to Commencement guests to assist you with locating a wheelchair rental company. Emory is not responsible for rental arrangements, products, or practices.

Complete Home Medical Equipment
575 Dekalb Ind Way Ste 102
Decatur, GA 30033-1756
Phone: 404-292-6525
Fax: 404-292-6526

Accucare Medical Equipment
11 Dunwoody Park, Ste 130
Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: 770-512-0090
Fax: 770-512-0190
Email: mistermorton@mindspring.com

Alpha Medical Equipment & Supplies, Inc
1652 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 404-373-8160
Fax: 404-373-8163
Email: Livikas@bellsouth.net

Emory University: Emory's Respect for Open Expression Policy will be enforced during Commencement events.

Gas South District Venues: Gas South District is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable entertainment experience. They value your enthusiasm and ask that all guests exercise good judgment and observe the Code of Conduct listed below. Please respect the rights of others by displaying proper decorum. 

Guests have a right to expect an environment where:

• Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all venue personnel.
• Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
• Fans may not interfere with the event in any manner.
• Guests will sit only in their ticketed seats and show their tickets when requested.
• Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects or attempting to enter the stage may be immediately ejected from the venue.
• Guests will not smoke or vapor in any of the campus venues, but in designated smoking areas only.
• Guests will be required to wear a shirt and shoes at all times for their own safety. Guest are not allowed to have signs or clothing with obscene or indecent messages, images or text.
• Guests will comply with requests from venue staff regarding facility operations and emergency response procedures.
• Guests will also be responsible for their own good time by reporting inappropriate behavior.

Gas South District staff has been trained to intervene when deemed necessary and to use their best discretion to help ensure that guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests’ ability to enjoy an event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of law, may be subject to arrest.