Going downtown: Arizona State University to host graduation at Chase Field

PHOENIX — With renovations ongoing at Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will move to Chase Field in downtown Phoenix this year.

Though it is not the traditional venue, students seem to be excited about the move.

“It’s great because it’s unlimited seating,” ASU senior Jessica Fletcher, who will graduate with a double major in English and psychology, said. “I’m really happy because I have a lot of friends and family who are going to try and make it out specifically for the commencement ceremony.”

Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America, will be the commencement speaker. Teach for America is a program where college graduates commit to teaching for at least two years in public schools upon graduation.

She also co-founded Teach for All, which brings a similar program to countries around the world.

ASU is expecting about 24,000 graduates and guests to attend the ceremony, slated for May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

All items prohibited at Arizona Diamondbacks games will not be allowed into the commencement ceremony.

Tickets will not be required for guests to attend the event.

Sun Devil Stadium is in the process of remodeling and updating. The ASU football team will play there in the fall, although renovations will not be fully completed until 2017.