Graduation FAQs

Bags and/or purses no larger than 11 x 17 are permitted.

• Backpacks, regardless of size, are not allowed.
• Exceptions may be made (but are not guaranteed) for bags necessary for medical or children needs.

For your safety, all guests entering the Arena are subject to a metal-detector screening, visual inspection, and/or bag inspection conducted by Arena security personnel. Refusal to agree to the search may result in non-admittance. Prohibited items include anything that can be deemed a threat to public safety regardless of permit. In the event that prohibited items are revealed during a search, guests may either return the item to their vehicle or forfeit the item. Forfeited items will be disposed of and not returned.

• Weapons of any kind or items that could be used as a weapon (Leatherman, knives, brass knuckles, metal chains, sharp metal objects, pepper sprays, bullets, etc.)
• Bags larger than 11 x 17 and backpacks of any size
• Fireworks / Pyrotechnics of any kind 
• Laser pointers, glow sticks, or flashbulbs
• iPads, Google Glass, Selfie-sticks, Laptops, Drones, Video/Audio Recorders
• Outside food & beverage (cans, bottles, coolers, alcohol, etc.) 
• Artificial noise-makers (such as air horns, cowbells, etc.)
• Wrapped packages
• Objects that can be used as projectiles
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, signs, banners, etc.
• Animals (Exception: recognized service animals under titles II and III of the ADA)
• Unauthorized chemicals
• Beach Balls, Skateboards, roller blades, roller shoes
• Any and all items/controlled substances that are illegal at the city, county, State, and/or Federal level or deemed suspicious due to quantity or uniqueness
• Any other item deemed by security to be inappropriate for the event or a threat to public safety

*These items will not be checked or allowed into the building so please leave them home or in your car. 

Free public parking is available to attendees in the stadium lots at University and Broadway. Please do not park in spaces with signage designated for specific purposes or service vehicles. All metered spaces require payment at all times. Accessible parking spaces are reserved for guests requiring those provisions.

Graduates will enter the Arena through Entrance 4 and stage in the auxiliary gym. Only students and school district administration are allowed in this space (no family or friends) unless a student has an accessible need that requires assistance.

ExtraMile Arena and/or Boise State University are not responsible for personal valuables left in the auxiliary gym room during the ceremony. These items should be kept in the student’s possession, locked in a vehicle or left with family members.

Entrances 1 and 2 open at 6:00pm, one hour before the ceremony start time of 7:00pm. In order to ensure efficient entry into the building before the ceremony starts, we encourage you to arrive early and come prepared for the security screening process.

An elevator is availalble in both Entrance 1 and 2.

Seating for this event is general admission (non-ticketed); first come, first seated.

By entering, you agree to the following (and if you are a minor, your parents/guardians agree to the following on your behalf):

• COVID-19. Boise State University has established reasonable physical safeguards relative to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 illness. However, an inherent risk of exposure to the coronavirus exists in any public place where people are present and gathered, and while on Boise State property you agree to follow all posted rules and verbal instructions from staff members, and you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to the coronavirus.
• Assumption of Risk. You assume all risk and accept all responsibility for any injuries or illnesses that might result not only from your actions, inaction or negligence, but also that of others, the condition of the venue and/or your presence at this event. Boise State University, the State Board of Education, and the State of Idaho are not responsible for any such injuries or illnesses, or any lost, damaged or stolen property.

Re-entry (entering, exiting and entering again) is permitted for these events. However, it is necessary for guests to go through the security screening process each time they enter.

Wheelchair escorts are available at any entry point for transportation to and from seating areas.  As it is important that Arena wheelchairs remain available to escort all guests that request this assistance, please work with staff if you need help in finding a seat for the duration of the event.

Wheelchair spaces/platforms are available specifically for patrons with this need and are located on all three seating levels. Adjacent companion seating is available in these areas.

The top row of seats in the parquet is being reserved for people with accessible needs (mobility limitations, cannot navigate stairs, need aisle seats, etc.). There will be signs on these seats so please be mindful of guests needing accommodations when choosing a spot to sit.  

On average, ceremonies last approximately two hours.

Cameras are welcome but please leave bi/tri-pods at home.

Yes. Light food and beverage will be available for purchase. 

Guests are permitted to enter with the following items, but these items are restricted from being brought into the Arena and must be checked once inside the entry.  A claim tag will be issued for retrieval of the item at the same location after the ceremony, prior to exiting the Arena:

• Helium filled balloons
• Glass flower vases (Flower arrangements not in glass vases are permitted in the Arena.)

Signs are permitted as long as content is appropriate (as interpreted by entry staff) and they do not block the view or impact the experience of guests in surrounding seats/areas.

Smoking and vaping are permitted in designated areas only.

At the end of the ceremony, graduates will exit out of the auxiliary gym on the northwest side of the venue. Please remain seated until students have left the building. Your assistance in maintaining social distancing by refraining from congregating in spaces in and around the Arena and exiting campus is appreciated.

ExtraMile Arena is not responsible for any items left inside or outside the facility. However, there are times that items left in the Arena are turned into our front desk. Call 208-426-1900 to check for a lost item.

For more information about ExtraMile Arena, please visit our A-Z Guide page. If you have questions regarding any of this information, please contact the Arena at 208-426-1900 or extramilearena@boisestate.edu.