University of Minnesota ends hosting high school graduations
The University of Minnesota said this week it will no longer host high school commencement ceremonies at any campus venue, ending more than 20 events each spring at 3M Arena at Mariucci and other sites. Citing an unsustainable strain on resources—and following heightened security after a May 30 shooting outside a graduation—the decision leaves Twin Cities districts that relied on Mariucci’s 6,000+ indoor capacity scrambling to secure new locations, adjust dates, or implement ticketing.
đź“Ś Key Facts
- UMN ends third‑party high school commencements at Mariucci, Northrop, Ted Mann, and Huntington Bank Stadium.
- In 2024, 23 high schools held graduations at Mariucci, sometimes three to four in a day; UMN said >20 events over two weeks strain resources.
- Mariucci seats >6,000 indoors; Northrop ~2,800; UMN previously took in about $200,000 from 20 graduations in 2024.
- Districts including South Washington County and Anoka‑Hennepin say they now may need to change dates and ticketing plans.