TAMPA, Fla.– Because Florida has weathered so many hurricanes this season, The University of Tampa has had to change its plans regarding December’s commencement. Originally scheduled to take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, it has now been moved onto UTampa’s campus in the Martinez Athletics Center since that venue is no longer available due to some structural damage from Hurricane Milton.
Though this change in events may be entirely unexpected, the meaningful twist will have UTampa pride in recognition as a way to celebrate the graduates right at the heart of campus, revisiting this dear tradition with Spartan pride.
Embracing an Unforeseen Test of Tradition and Pride
The Bob Martinez Athletics Center, steeped in tradition on campus and a well of memorable moments for Spartan alums, hosts December’s ceremony, as it has for years before burgeoning attendance prompted the University to seek more spacious venues.
Robin Roup, associate director of orientation and family engagement, said Martinez Athletics Center is “a space familiar to many alumni and rich in Spartan pride,” adding, “while an unplanned return to campus, this backward glance will be a nostalgic and very fitting tribute to the class of 2024.”
This on-campus move will allow the University to continue to honor an essential tradition in a setting of intimacy and smallness that most alumni report looking back with fondness.
“The Martinez Center’s association with campus tradition will add to the ceremony ambiance, although it differs in capacity and scale from the Expo Hall,” Roup said.
Therefore, with this change, the University wants to make December’s commencement a memorable experience that marries the familiar with the excitement of new beginnings.
A Worthwhile Celebration for All Graduates and Their Guests
Although the venue change requires some modifications, the University is dedicated to preserving a proper commencement experience. Since the Martinez Center had a much smaller capacity than the spacious Expo Hall, which could hold as many as 7,800 guests, the graduating class had to be divided into two ceremonies.
Graduates from the College of Arts and Letters and the Sykes College of Business will take to the stage during a morning ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Graduates from the College of Natural and Health Sciences and the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Education will attend the afternoon ceremony at 1 p.m.
“This approach, dividing the ceremonies by college, allows us to preserve the quality of the experience and ensure that every graduate’s family can participate,” Roup said.
Families are being asked to limit their guest count to eight per graduate so there is adequate seating for everyone without needing to ticket the event. This move reflects UTampa’s commitment to making the experience inclusive: bringing graduates and their loved ones together without restriction.
Bringing the Spirit of the Fairgrounds to Campus
Although the Expo Hall in the Fairgrounds allowed larger venues, the University is thoughtfully adapting the Martinez Athletics Center to replicate the traditional commencement format. It will include stadium seating, ADA accommodations, and a stage layout similar to past ceremonies. It will create an atmosphere honoring the spirit of the Fairgrounds while infusing it with the spirit of Spartan pride.
“The decor and atmosphere will closely mirror what we’ve established at the Expo Hall, but the Martinez Center brings a singularly Spartan flavor to the event,” Roup said.
Campus Safety is collaborating with UTampa staff to ensure security protocols are consistent with what was previously provided at the Fairgrounds. Graduates who registered for commencement will be contacted via UTampa’s weekly communications. It will also be live streamed on the UTampa website for those loved ones who cannot attend. This combination of tradition and new precautions shows the agility of the University in providing an inclusive celebration.
Smooth Transition of Students and Families
The University also understands that a transition of this magnitude will create numerous questions, and the Office of Orientation and Family Engagement is prepared to address concerns that students and their family members may have.
“Our team is here to answer questions and address any issues. We understand this is a major milestone, and our goal is to make it as smooth and memorable as possible,” Roup added, echoing the University’s commitment to student satisfaction and support.
In addition to the regular updates and guidance, UTampa has mobilized a team of cross-departmental staff with vast experience in event planning. Many staff members were involved in the December commencement ceremonies held in the Martinez Athletics Center from 2006 to 2016, bringing valuable insight and expertise to this year’s preparations. That commitment means December’s event will be a meaningful, well-coordinated celebration embracing tradition and the UT community’s resilience.
Looking Ahead to Future Commencements
As UT plans for December’s on-campus ceremony, the University administration is considering its choices for future venues. Outdoor ceremonies could be possible; however, Florida’s unpredictable weather creates significant challenges, making indoor venues like the Fairgrounds safer for hosting significant events.
“The heat, unpredictability of weather, and logistical complexities of outdoor events have historically made indoor options more viable,” Roup said, noting other local institutions rely on indoor venues to ensure safe and comfortable ceremonies.
The University continues to monitor the repair timeline for the Expo Hall at the Fairgrounds. It expects to announce the location and details for the May 2025 commencement by early February. This provides the University with ongoing ways of banning tradition and practicality while planning future ceremonies.
Celebration of Achievement at the Heart of Campus
With the graduates destined to take to the stage on Friday, Dec. 13, heading back onto campus carries more than just a venue change; it is a homecoming to the place where students spent their school lives. By relocating the ceremony to the Martinez Athletics Center, UTampa has transformed a challenge into an opportunity to celebrate Spartan pride and tradition.
For more information about the December 2024 commencement, please visit utampa.edu/commencement or contact the Office of Orientation and Family Engagement at commencement@ut.edu.
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Photo by The University of Tampa.