After three years off campus, commencement will be at FirstBank Stadium for the Class of 2026 on May 8.
The university previously held undergraduate commencement ceremonies off campus at GEODIS Park for the Class of 2025 and Class of 2024, following the Class of 2023’s ceremony at Bridgestone Arena. The university plans to announce parking details for the Class of 2026 commencement in late January.
“The multi-year renovation of the stadium was completed this past summer; the modernized space includes a 130,000-square-foot expansion, an upgraded video board and stadium acoustics system and an updated concourse with more concession options,” a university press release said. “After a victorious football season full of sold-out stands, the stadium is ready to welcome graduates for their final Vanderbilt hurrah.”
During The Hustler’s Dec. 7 Debrief with Diermeier, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said the university had not yet finalized a decision for where commencement would be held but made clear that Alumni Lawn was no longer a viable option due to capacity and visibility limitations.
“Alumni Lawn is really not an option for us anymore,” Diermeier said. “The problem is that we just cannot accommodate as many people. I think 30% to 40% of the seats have restrictive views of the stage, and people cannot bring more than one or two family members. We do not want our graduates to say that only their brother or sister and one parent can come — that is not a good situation.”
Many seniors said the decision reflects both practical considerations and the evolution of campus identity over the past four years. For senior John Abad, the return to FirstBank restores a sense of place that felt missing in recent off-campus ceremonies.
“I’m genuinely excited that commencement is returning to FirstBank Stadium,” Abad said. “GEODIS was fine, but it always felt more like a Nashville venue than a Vanderbilt moment. Having the ceremony on campus makes it feel more personal and connected to our time here.”
Several students also highlighted the logistical benefits of hosting commencement on campus. Senior Kelsey Cleveland said proximity to campus and increased seating capacity were major advantages. FirstBank Stadium has a capacity of 40,350, while GEODIS Park has a capacity of 30,109 and Bridgestone Arena has a capacity of 20,000.
“It’s so much closer to campus, which will make logistics easier for my family — whether that’s parking, walking from their hotel or being dropped off,” Cleveland said. “The stadium also holds more seats than GEODIS, which should make it easier to get tickets for everyone coming. Being on campus feels more meaningful than a random soccer stadium. The only downside is that it’ll probably be hot and sunny, but we’ll deal with it. Overall, I really like the change.”
Beyond convenience, some seniors said they see FirstBank Stadium as symbolic of Vanderbilt’s recent growth and success. Senior Brinda Ambal said graduating on campus will make commencement feel like a full-circle moment.
“I’m really excited that commencement will be back on campus because FirstBank represents a lot of our recent successes as a university,” Ambal said. “Walking out of commencement directly onto the campus where we spent the last four years will be a bittersweet, full-circle moment — even if I hope it doesn’t come too soon.”
Others noted that the renewed energy around Vanderbilt Athletics has reshaped how students connect with the stadium. Senior Ian Boggs said his perspective shifted alongside the football program’s success.
“I think the success of Vanderbilt sports over the past two years — especially football in FirstBank Stadium — has created a campus identity that wasn’t really there during my first two years,” Boggs said. “If you’d asked me back then whether I’d rather graduate at Bridgestone or FirstBank, I would’ve said Bridgestone because it felt bigger and cooler. Now, I’m very proud to graduate at FirstBank.”
Senior Jesse Zhong said the emotional weight of the stadium makes it an ideal venue for commencement.
“This stadium holds so many big wins and memories,” Zhong said. “It feels nostalgic going from game days to graduation day.”
That nostalgia is rooted not only in wins, but in the atmosphere surrounding them, according to senior Zach Schapiro. He emphasized the communal energy that has defined game days at FirstBank Stadium.
“The ’85 Bears could walk into FirstBank and I’d still wake up on Saturday with total confidence,” Schapiro said. “But it’s not just the winning — FirstBank is fun. The sing-along is fun. ‘Shout’ is fun. Phil Collins is fun. No matter if you’re a football diehard or think football is played with goalies, FirstBank Stadium is special.”
Senior Daniel Henricks echoed that sentiment while pointing to the university’s investment in the stadium and its accessibility for families.
“I think the stadium is a great way to wrap up the incredible success the football team has had over the past two years while celebrating everyone in one place,” Henricks said. “Having a central hub will make it easier for parents, families and students. There are also more hotels nearby, including the Marriott by the stadium, which simplifies travel for families. Overall, it’s a great change — and a chance for the university to showcase a space many people haven’t seen yet.”
