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Graduation Details

Three school logos with graduation dates

Akins Ford Arena Graduation Information

We look forward to honoring our graduates and celebrating this milestone together at Akins Ford Arena. There are several reasons for the ceremonies to be held at Akins Ford Arena:

 

  • Medical Support & Safety:
    There are in-house safety measures such as weapons detectors, security staff, and medical personnel on duty who are trained to respond in a large-crowd setting.

  • Climate-controlled Environment:
    Graduates and guests will not have to worry about inclement weather creating a safety concern, causing date changes, or dampening the day. This also helps ensure safety to prevent heat-related illnesses.

  • Space:
    Due to our increasing class sizes, our school facilities are not able to safely accommodate the number of people who want to enjoy the ceremony. There will be no need for tickets.

  • Audio/Video Enhancements:
    Your graduates will be featured on the arena's large screens as they receive their diplomas, ensuring all seats will have a great view of the important moment.

 

Our Board of Education recently shared additional information about the reasons for the location choice with Winder-Barrow High School families, students, and staff. Read their message.

Specific details about each of the school ceremonies will be shared with students and families closer to the date. In the meantime, please see our questions and answers below for more information about Akins Ford Arena.

 

 

 

Akins Ford Arena places to park map

Parking near Akins Ford Arena

Parking in downtown Athens is not free. The Classic Center deck (closest to the arena) may charge up to $25 per vehicle. Additional parking near the arena may be more affordable. We are also coordinating a free bus shuttle from nearby Clarke County schools as an option. -Washington Street Deck – 125 W Washington St (~0.3 miles) -Clarke Co. Courthouse Deck – 325 E Washington St (~0.3 miles) -College Avenue Deck – 230 S Jackson St (~0.4 miles) -UGA North Campus Deck – 230 S Jackson St (~0.5 miles) -Streetside Parking – Metered rates $2.00/hour

Parking Map

  • Akins Ford Arena is located at 300 N Thomas Street in Athens, GA. It is part of The Classic Center campus.

     

  • There is parking throughout downtown Athens. Most spots will require payment. Please see the parking information above for specific details.

    We are also coordinating a free bus shuttle to run to and from the venue and a nearby Clarke County school. More details will be shared closer to the date.

     

  • The Akins Ford Arena offers seating for 4,700 for our ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-seated. Please use every seat available.

    Graduations will also be live-streamed on YouTube. 

  • No, tickets will not be given out ahead of time. Seating is first-come. We ask all guests to use every seat available. Thank you.

  • Yes, all guests will need to enter Akins Ford Arena through weapons detectors. Thank you for your cooperation.

  • All Akins Ford Arena events require guests to have clear bags. Clear bags can not be larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Non-clear wallets must be smaller than 5" x 8" x 2".

    Medical bags and diaper bags are allowed through with proper inspection.

    Clear Bag Policy graphic with approved and non-approved bag examples.

  • All graduates and guests will exit to the Foundry Street area after the ceremony.

    While there will not be an opportunity to take photos with graduates on the floor or within Akins Ford Arena, there is space outside the arena for photos. The schools are also planning to offer families additional opportunities for photos at the schools. That information will be shared with seniors closer to the date.

     

  • Concessions, including water, soda, juice, chips, candy, chicken tenders, and soft pretzels, will be available for purchase.

    All purchases at Akins Ford Arena must be made with a credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted inside the venue.

    Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

  • For security reasons, outside food and drink are not permitted.

    Concessions will be available for purchase. Akins Ford Arena is a cashless facility.

     

  • To limit distractions or interruptions during the special ceremony, noisemakers, balloons, liquid string, signs, or anything that may draw attention away from the graduates should not be brought into the venue. Thank you.

  • Akins Ford Arena provides the space needed to safely accommodate our graduates and all of the guests who want to celebrate them. It offers an indoor, air-conditioned environment and in-house services such as security screening and medical personnel, and meets accessibility needs.

    The Akins Ford Arena staff are excited to welcome us and host these wonderful events.