Eastern Florida State College will hold two spring commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 14, at the King Center for the Performing Arts on its Melbourne Campus. The events are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Graduates who have confirmed their RSVP for one of the ceremonies have already reserved three tickets each for family and friends. All guests must have a ticket to enter the King Center. Overflow seating will be available in Building 4 Auditorium on the Melbourne Campus for those without tickets. Both ceremonies will be broadcast live on WEFS-TV and streamed on the college’s YouTube channel.
The King Center, located on the college’s Melbourne Campus, is a 2,500-seat venue that has hosted major events including concerts and conferences. This will be its first use for a college commencement. The college said it chose the location to accommodate the growing number of graduates. More than 1,200 students are expected to walk during the two ceremonies. Each graduate is allowed to bring three guests, though tickets are limited. The college urged guests without tickets to arrive early for overflow seating.
The livestream will allow remote viewers to watch the ceremonies from anywhere. The college said it expects high demand for tickets and encouraged graduates to share their event details with friends and family. The ceremonies will include remarks from college officials, honors for academic achievement, and a procession of graduates. The event is free for ticket holders, though donations to the college’s foundation will be accepted at the entrance.
The King Center’s auditorium will show a live feed of both ceremonies. The college said it will post updates on ticket availability and livestream access on its website and social media. The event marks the first time the King Center has been used for a college graduation, a decision officials said was made to ensure all graduates and guests have a safe, accessible space.