Commencement Tickets and Venue
The 120th Simmons University Commencement Ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.
Guest Tickets to Commencement
An invitation to RSVP and order digital guest tickets for Commencement will be sent to eligible degree candidates via email on April 1, 2026 and will close on April 18, 2026.
Degree candidates will be permitted to bring up to 5 guests. All guests must have a digital ticket to be admitted into the venue. Per venue policy, infants and children under two years old who will sit on an adult's lap do not require a ticket.
What To Do If You Need Additional Tickets
Due to the large number of students and their families (including parents, siblings, and grandparents) wishing to attend, tickets for the commencement ceremony are strictly limited. All graduating students are given an equal opportunity to claim their designated allocation.
Commencement Ticket Waitlist
When completing the RSVP form in April, you will have the opportunity to opt-in to the guest ticket waitlist. Please note that we are not able to reserve or guarantee additional tickets for any degree candidates before the RSVP deadline closes. If seats or standing room spots become available after registration has closed in late April, we will reach out to all students who have expressed interest in obtaining an additional ticket.
Commencement Live Stream Options
We will host a free livestream room on campus, approximately 0.8 mile from MGM (see map). On the RSVP form, you will be able to select the number of livestream seats needed. Many graduates choose to return to Simmons' campus after the ceremony for pictures and to pick up their diplomas so you will be able to connect with your guests then.
The livestream room will not be ticketed, but we ask that you indicate how many guests will be attending so that we can ensure adequate seating and support.
Family and friends who cannot come to Boston can also watch the livestream directly from our website. The livestream will be available no later than the day before Commencement.
Commencement Venue and Accessibility
Located in the heart of Fenway, less than a mile away from Simmons' academic campus, MGM Music Hall at Fenway boasts state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional acoustics, a unique four-story seating plan, and a thorough commitment to accessibility. MGM Music Hall is a wheelchair accessible venue; sign language interpreters and assistive listening technology are also available upon request.
Reporting Accessibility Needs for Commencement
When you RSVP, you’ll be asked to specify any accessibility requirements for you and for your guests. It is essential that you specify your request in your submission form rather than via email, as this will be easier for the Commencement team to track. After the RSVP cycle closes on April 18, a member of our team will reach out individually to anyone who has requested an accommodation.
We will have a dedicated accessible seating area for guests. Please make sure to note in your RSVP form if any guests require accessible seating. There will be a staff member at the check-in doors to assist guests with mobility issues to their seats. Please note that MGM does not provide wheelchairs at the venue.
Assistive Listening Devices
MGM has assistive listening devices available. Please contact by emailing [email protected] for questions or to make advance arrangements.
Restrooms
There are multiple restrooms on each floor/wing of MGM Music Hall, including wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the venue hall.
MGM Music Hall Policies
Clear Bag Policy
The MGM Music Hall has a CLEAR BAG policy. To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, only the following bags are allowed:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (Maximum size: 12" x 6" x 12")
- Non-clear small clutch bags or wallets (Maximum size: 4.5" x 6.5")
All bags are subject to search by security. Guests are encouraged to leave their valuables at home.
No weapons of any sort are permitted inside the venue.
Food and Beverages
Per venue policy, outside food and beverages are strictly prohibited from MGM Music Hall. Food will not be sold at MGM; however, water canteens are available on site and fill stations are located throughout the venue where you can refill water bottles.
Common Grounds Cafe at 300 Fenway will be open all day on Friday, May 16, and will provide an assortment of refreshments and takeaway snacks. Bartol Hall is also open for an early farewell breakfast for students between 6:30 – 7:30 am.
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted into the venue. No other pets or emotional support animals are allowed.
Parking and Transportation
Shuttles and transportation are not provided to or from the venue. There is very limited handicap-accessible parking in the Fenway neighborhood. For guests with mobility issues, we recommend arranging a drop-off directly at MGM Music Hall at 2 Lansdowne St prior to parking.
Public Transportation
We recommend using Uber/Lyft or public transportation within the city of Boston. The easiest way to arrive at MGM Music Hall at Fenway via public transportation is to take the Green Line to Kenmore. The venue is approximately a 9-minute walk from Kenmore station to MGM (see the map for reference). Another option is to take the Framingham / Worcester MBTA commuter rail to Yawkey Station, which is within easy walking distance of the park. A third option is to take the 55 bus and request a stop at Ipswich @ Lansdowne, which will drop you off right across from the venue.
Commencement Parking
Simmons is happy to offer limited parking on campus for Commencement. Our parking garage is on the academic campus under Helen G. Drinan Hall, located at 86-96 Avenue Louis Pasteur (0.8 miles from the venue). Advance reservations will be required for the university garage; the reservation links will be available in early spring 2026. Visit the ceremony venue page for more information.
Parking for Guests with Mobility Issues
Dedicated handicap parking is not available at MGM. Although there may be handicapped parking spots on the street, we strongly recommend making drop-off arrangements for any guests with mobility issues (i.e. dropping them off in front of 2 Lansdowne St, then parking in the garage). We will have dedicated staff at the venue to assist guests, including those in wheelchairs or with assistive walking devices.
Contact
Questions about Commencement may be emailed to [email protected]. If you are a student with questions about graduation eligibility, please email [email protected].