CLEAR plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” will be allowed. Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (approximately the size of a hand) will be allowed and do not need to be clear. Larger and other types of bags are prohibited.

There is no storage or check-in for prohibited bags. For patrons with young children in attendance, diaper bags are allowed and subject to search.

MVP Arena Parking Garage is located behind and attached to MVP Arena. Use 1 Market St., Albany, NY 12207 for GPS. If parking in the MVP Arena Parking Garage, use arena entrance located on level 3.

For Commencement, rate is $10 per vehicle (6'6" clearance). Cash and cards are accepted methods of payment. Rates charged at surrounding garages and lots may differ and are not controlled by MVP Arena.

Availability is not guaranteed. For additional parking options near MVP Arena, please visit Park Albany, Downtown Albany, or view the map below

Park Albany

Downtown Albany

Garage/Lot map

The following items (including but not limited to) are prohibited:

• balloons
• professional cameras
• video/audio recorders including GoPro and stick style HD cameras
• weapons of any kind
• backpacks
• outside food and beverage
• glass items
• fireworks
• laser pens, glow sticks
• banners on poles
• selfie sticks
• umbrellas

Click here to read additional standard security procedures

Guests are not limited, and tickets are not required. Except for a few reserved seating areas, it is open seating for guests. Graduates are encouraged to invite family and friends to enjoy the celebration. The ceremony will be livestreamed for graduates who are watching and celebrating from a distance.

A sign-language interpreter will be at the ceremony for those with hearing impairments and a limited number of accessible seating platforms are available. If you or any of your guests require an accessibility accommodation, contact studentsupport@excelsior.edu by June 22, 2026.

Limited concession stands will be open.

Concessions do not accept cash. Cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.

Visit the Broadview Reverse ATM, located on the concourse near Section 126, to exchange cash for a Mastercard prepaid card. Cash must be converted to a prepaid card for use at concession and merchandise stands.

There is no activation fee. Cards may be issued in amounts from $20 to $500; the first bill inserted must be $20 or larger, followed by any denomination. A digital receipt will be sent via text message. Any remaining balance can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Guests are strongly discouraged from bringing strollers. If you must bring one, please be advised there will be designated stroller parking areas located just before reaching the security checkpoint. You will not be able to bring your stroller past the checkpoint or into the seating area of the arena.