By Reanna Fogelman and Jilian Geer
TAMPA, Fla. — After an unexpected relocation last semester, The University of Tampa’s 160th commencement ceremony will occur at the Florida State Fairground, its primary venue since 2017. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Expo Hall, an indoor area with air conditioning, stadium seating, and food vendors. For those who need accommodation, there is accessible seating.
This return marks a shift back to tradition after the Fall 2024 ceremony was moved to the Bob Martinez Athletics Center due to hurricane damage at the Fairgrounds. The 159th commencement on Dec. 13, 2024, was an adjustment for both students and the university. Hurricane Milton rendered the Expo Hall unusable, forcing UTampa to temporarily hold two ceremonies on campus instead of the usual single event at the fairgrounds.
The Athletics Center can accommodate 3,432 guests in the stands and 700 chairs on the floor. Two ceremonies were organized in the fall semester because of the Athletics Center’s limited seating capacity due to faculty participation and the number of visitors per graduate. Unlike previous commencement ceremonies at the fairground, graduates were only allowed eight guests each to ensure everyone had the opportunity to celebrate with their loved ones.
The university’s decision to return to the Fairgrounds was based on logistical advantages, space, and student experience. Compared to the on-campus gym, the Fairgrounds’ Expo Hall does not require guest tickets, allowing graduates to celebrate with as many family members and friends as they wish. The larger venue will also accommodate more faculty participation, which will help restore the traditional feel of the event. All ceremonial enhancements are to ensure that graduates and guests have the best experience.
“First, as part of hurricane repairs the Expo Hall has been enhanced aesthetically, creating an improved experience for graduates and guests,” said Robin Roupe, associate director of Orientation and Family Engagement.
“Additionally, more school spirit is being infused into the ceremonies, building on the energy and excitement introduced in December to ensure graduates receive a truly spirited UTampa sendoff,” said Roupe.
Although the gym had its limitations, students like Payton Buschhorn, a Fall 2024 graduate, appreciated the university’s commitment to creating a memorable experience for students.
“They really did set the gym up nicely, there were red carpets everywhere and the stage was set up nice,” said Buschhorn. “It was nice for it to be on campus too because I had family from out of town come in so they got to see the campus as well.”
Lauren Thull, a senior in data science, shared her thoughts on graduation returning to the Fairgrounds, “I think moving graduation back to Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds is a great decision. The space is larger, allowing more guests per graduate and a more comfortable experience for everyone.”
For the first time, the May ceremony will be divided into three separate ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall:
- 9 a.m. – College of Natural and Health Sciences
- 12:30 p.m. – College of Arts and Letters and College of Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Education
- 4 p.m. – Sykes College of Business
Doors will open one hour before each ceremony, and parking will be free for all guests.
President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg shared her excitement about the upcoming ceremony: “Commencement is one of my favorite days of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed my first UTampa commencement last December at the Martinez Athletic Center, and I look forward to May commencement at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, where we can accommodate more graduates and their family and friends.”
Graduating seniors can look forward to crossing the stage at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, celebrating years of hard work and dedication in a venue that has hosted thousands of UTampa graduates before them. With an upgraded venue, expanded ceremonies, and a focus on school spirit, the Spring 2025 commencement will be a memorable sendoff for UTampa’s graduates.
For more information and updates about the upcoming May commencement, please visit The University of Tampa’s official commencement page.
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Photo courtesy of The University of Tampa Instagram @uoftampa.