Summary
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Learn more about McCaw Hall, procedures and expectations, and information for graduates.
2026 Graduation Ceremonies at McCaw Hall
Seattle Public Schools has finalized graduation dates for June 10-17 after an extensive review of venue availability, community feedback, and district calendar requirements. Because Memorial Stadium is undergoing a two‑year renovation, the district needed to secure an alternate site that could safely and comfortably host thousands of graduates and families.
Based on survey input from more than 2,200 community members, McCaw Hall emerged as the only venue that met essential criteria—including capacity, accessibility, and transportation—during its limited window of availability in mid‑June.
To ensure all schools could be accommodated, SPS scheduled ceremonies on weekdays only and aligned the dates with the last day of school while also reviewing religious holidays and transportation constraints.
The overlap with major city events, including Seattle’s World Cup schedule, has added urgency for families. The district selected the earliest viable dates that balanced venue limitations, contract requirements, and community priorities. Thank you for your patience as SPS worked through these complex logistics to secure a safe, equitable, and celebratory experience for every graduate.
General Information FAQ
Seattle Public Schools will hold nine high school graduation ceremonies at McCaw Hall from June 15-17, 2026. Each school will have a designated ceremony date and time.
McCaw Hall is located at Seattle Center.
On June 15, a World Cup match will take place at noon at Lumen Field, and a graduation ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Seattle Center will also host fan celebrations. While we anticipate additional congestion citywide due to the World Cup, Seattle Center will likely experience especially high foot traffic that day.
Yes. ADA-accessible routes, seating, and restrooms are available.
The Sky Bridge will be open to provide ADA access while minimizing elevator use. ADA seating is located in the lower rows on the far-right side of the hall.
McCaw Hall is located on Mercer Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, on the north edge of the Seattle Center campus, approximately 2 miles north of the downtown Seattle business district. Hall’s street address is 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
McCaw Hall Website
Seattle Center / McCaw Hall Customer Service: 206-684-7200
Transportation updates affecting access to and from Seattle Center.
Parking is available at nearby garages, including the Mercer Street Garage. Details and directions are listed on the McCaw Hall website.
If you realize you have lost an item while attending an event, please inquire with any of the usher staff or House Manager for assistance locating the item.
Lost and Found items are taken to the Seattle Center Customer Service office inside the Seattle Center Armory. Please call 206-684-7200 or fill out this form to inquire about a lost item. When filling out the form, please specify “McCaw Hall” in the additional details field. It may take between 24 and 48 hours for a found item to be transferred from McCaw Hall to the Customer Service office.
Information for Graduates FAQ
Each graduating senior will receive four tickets for guests to attend their ceremony due to venue capacity. Seniors will be able to request additional tickets by filling out a form. This request form and process will be available through your school March 1 – March 31. The number of available tickets will be based on the size of the senior class.
McCaw Hall team will manage security at the guest entry and guest relations at the door, including bag checks and wanding. SPS will partner to provide additional security as needed.
Guests will enter through the Mercer Street North Entrance, which serves as the main public entrance, and show their ticket to enter. Ushers and signage will direct guests to appropriate seating areas.
Guests may wait in the Mercer Street Main Lobby. Students will gather separately in the Lecture Hall prior to the ceremony.
Families are encouraged to park and then walk along Mercer Street to the closest entrance to the Lecture Hall.
Graduates will enter through the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall Entrance. Students will gather in the Lecture Hall prior to the ceremony with staff and teacher supervision and will then be escorted into the Main Hall.
Late-arriving graduates will follow the same process as other graduates and enter through the Nesholm Lecture Hall Entrance.
Graduates will exit directly outside the venue and proceed west to the Founders Court. Families will be asked to remain seated until all graduates have exited, after which families may follow.
Graduates will be seated in the lower-level seating area.
The graduations will be live streamed during the events and available on the SPS Graduation webpage after the ceremonies.
Yes. Live ASL interpretation will be provided for ADA seating sections. Ushers will guide guests who require ASL services to the appropriate seating area.
McCaw Hall Procedures and Expectations FAQ
There will be bag checks and screening upon entry. Small bags (typically around 4.5″ x 6.5″ or 4″x6″x1.5″) will be allowed. Not allowed liquids, weapons, and large bags. Cameras are allowed.
No. Items that obstruct views or disrupt the ceremony—such as helium balloons, air horns, poppers, and similar items—are not allowed inside McCaw Hall.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the venue. Water bottles are allowed in the lobby.
Who to Contact
Who should families contact with questions?
Please email graduation@seattleschools.org with your questions.
