KCKCC Celebrates the 101st Commencement at Sporting Park

May 12 2026 General Events
Man in blue gown crossing the stage.
Man in blue gown crossing the stage.

Urgent Commencement Change:
Due to the forecasted heavy rain and potential storms on Thursday, May 21, KCKCC’s 2026 Commencement ceremony has been moved to the scheduled rain date: Friday, May 22, at 5:50 p.m. at Sporting Park. We want to ensure the safety and the best possible experience for all who attend the Commencement Ceremony.  Faculty, staff and graduates can arrive at 4:30 p.m. to prepare for commencement. Plan to bring a rain poncho as umbrellas are not permitted.  KCKCC will have some rain ponchos available.

Join Kansas City Kansas Community College as it celebrates the 101st Commencement Ceremony this May. Thousands will attend commencement at 6 p.m. May 21 at Sporting Park to celebrate all fall 2025, spring 2026 and summer 2026 graduates.

To attend the free commencement ceremony, individuals must have a guest ticket, which is linked on KCKCC’s web page. Gates open at 5 p.m., one hour before the ceremony. Guests will enter the State Avenue gate. Designated seating sections are open for family and guests, and seating is available in those sections on a first-come, first-served basis. KCKCC encourages all guests to be in their seats by 5:45 p.m. to ensure they see the students walk into the arena. For those unable to attend, the ceremony will also be live-streamed on KCKCC’s Facebook page and Vimeo.

Graduates and guests must follow the guidelines provided by Sporting Park. Please review guidelines before attending commencement and arrive early for a smooth entry into the park. This information includes:

  • No outside food or beverage will be allowed. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Because Sporting Park is a cashless facility, it is credit/debit card only.
  • Children’s Mercy Park is a clear bag facility. Clear bags measuring 12”x12”x6” or smaller are permitted.
  • Student entry begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Casino Gate, which can be found on the northeast corner of the venue. Due to the limited amount of time available for the college’s graduation team to line up graduates for the ceremony, it is crucial for graduates to check in on time.
  • Graduates who attend commencement are required to stay from arrival at 4:30 p.m. until the ceremony is complete at 8 p.m. Please make arrangements with work, family and others to ensure you can attend the entire ceremony.
  • Graduates should limit personal items. Nothing can be left in the Budweiser Brew House.
  • Graduates should wear comfortable shoes as there are stairs in each section. Sharp, pointed heels (stilettos) are not allowed and may require a graduate to walk barefoot if worn to the ceremony.
  • Guest parking is in Blue Lots 1 and 2.
  • The ADA drop off point is State Avenue (right turn lane to Sporting Way).
  • Cameras and video cameras are allowed. Diaper bags (with an infant) and medical bags are permitted and subject to search. Prohibited items at the venue include umbrellas, backpacks, gift bags and noisemakers.
  • KCKCC asks attendees to respect and honor all of our graduates and please refrain from leaving until the commencement ceremony ends.
  • Graduates and guests are asked to exit the park immediately following the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.

For more information on 2026 commencement exercises visit the KCKCC website or contact the Registrar’s Office at 913-288-7536.