Graduations
Graduation Information
To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, all guests must go through a security screening and follow the arena’s clear bag policy.
Please note: Items such as balloons, beach balls, large signs or “fat heads”, cowbells, air horns, and other noisemakers will not be allowed through the security screening. Please return these items to your vehicle or dispose of them before entering the arena.
We look forward to honoring our graduates and celebrating this milestone together.
PARKING
Parking in downtown Athens is not free. The Classic Center deck (closest to the arena) charges $20 per vehicle. Additional parking decks, lots, and metered spaces are available nearby and may be more affordable.
Additional Parking Options:
- Washington Street Parking Deck – 125 W Washington St (~0.3 miles)
- Clarke County Courthouse Parking Deck – 325 E Washington St (~0.3 miles)
College Avenue Parking Deck – 230 S Jackson St (~0.4 miles)
UGA North Campus Parking Deck – 230 S Jackson St (~0.5 miles)
Streetside Parking – Metered parking – rates are $2.00 per hour.
These public decks and streetside parking offer hourly rates and are walkable to the venue. Please allow extra time for walking and security screening.
ARENA ENTRY & BAG POLICY
All guests will go through security screening. The Classic Center enforces a clear bag policy. No balloons, noisemakers, or large items will be allowed inside. Click here for more details.
Graduate Drop-Off Details Gate 2 (Foundry Street)
Before parking, families may drop off graduates before parking at the Gate 2 entrance, located on Foundry Street, just past the Classic Center.
How to Access:
- From North Thomas Street, continue past the Classic Center Parking Deck.
- Turn right onto Foundry Street.
- Look for signage directing you to the designated Gate 2 Drop-Off Zone near the loading dock area.
Please do not attempt to drop off students on Broad Street or Thomas Street. Those areas are heavily trafficked and not designated for drop-off.
-
Akins Ford Arena is located at 300 N Thomas Street in Athens, GA. It is part of The Classic Center campus, a familiar part of the Athens landscape.
-
Akins Ford Arena can accommodate 5,000 spectators.
In comparison, Apalachee High School’s stadium holds closer to 4,000 and the Innovation Amphitheater holds x.
-
No, tickets will not be given. Seating is first come, first choice.
-
There is parking throughout downtown Athens. Most will require you to pay.
Onsite parking will open when the arena doors open. We ask that you please leave your parking space as soon as you can after the ceremony to allow for the next ceremony’s families to have a place to park.
-
Due to two of our high school ceremonies happening on the same day, photos on the floor with graduates or within the Akins Ford Arena will not be permitted. There is a plaza space outside of the arena where you can take photos. All graduates and guests will exit to the Foundry Street area after the ceremony.
-
Concessions will be available for purchase inside Akins Ford Arena.
-
For security reasons, outside food and drink are not permitted.
-
For security reasons, outside food and drink are not permitted.
-
Noisemakers, balloons, liquid string, signs, or anything that may draw attention away from akins ford arena the graduates are not allowed in the arena. Anyone attempting to bring these items will be asked to return them to their vehicle or throw them away before entering.
-
The space, services, and proximity to Barrow County that Akins Ford Arena offers meet the needs of our schools. Other neighboring school districts held their ceremonies there last year and were pleased with their experiences. The Akins Ford Arena staff are excited to welcome our families, students, and staff for wonderful events!