Venue and Parking

Main Content

General Information

May Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in the Banterra Center, 1400 Arena Drive, Carbondale, IL.

The Commencement ceremony is an important occasion not only for the candidate, but also important for other graduates, families, and friends. Although it is a happy time, it should not be a time of revelry. Conduct by all at the ceremony should be dignified. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the ceremony facilities by degree candidates or by guests. Security personnel will be on hand to deal with alcohol or other distracting objects.

Directions to the Banterra Center

The Banterra Center's address is 1400 Arena Drive, Carbondale IL. Click here to go to Google Map.

From the West...
Take Interstate 64 East to Route 127 South (mile marker 50). Route 127 joins Route 13 at Pinckneyville (23 miles south of I-64). Take Route 13 east into Carbondale. Make a right (south) at US 51. Turn right on Saluki Boulevard. The Banterra Center is on your right.

From the North and East...
Take Interstate 57, exit at Marion and go west on Route 13. Stay on Route 13 until crossing the railroad tracks in downtown Carbondale. Make a left (south) at US 51. Turn right on Saluki Boulevard. The Banterra Center is on your right.

From the South...
Take U.S. Highway 51 North to Saluki Boulevard. Make a left on Saluki Boulevard. The Banterra Center is on your right.

Parking

Due to the large crowd anticipated for commencement, we encourage you to arrive early. We will utilize Banterra Center lots 18 and 56 and lots 52 and 37. Drop off for guests with limited mobility is available at the west side of the Banterra Center (off Douglas Drive), and designated parking for vehicles with disability plates or placards is located in Lot 52. Click here to access a detailed SIU Campus parking map.

Accessibility

The Banterra Center is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Seating for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility is available throughout the concourse level on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information regarding guests’ special-needs accommodations, contact University Events at 618/453-7424 or email events@siu.edu.

Students with disabilities should contact Disability Support Services at 618/453-5738 to discuss specific accommodations that can be made.

There will be an American Sign Language interpreter at all commencement ceremonies.