Plan for traffic impacts on SDSU graduation day

South Dakota State University is partnering with the Dacotah Bank Center to host the university’s 138th commencement May 4, and community members should be aware of increased traffic flow and patterns throughout the day near the center. 

SDSU will have three ceremonies, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. May 4, as more than 1,600 students plan to walk across the stage for their degrees. Admission to the ceremonies is ticketed due to limited seating, with six tickets issued per graduate. Doors open one hour prior to each ceremony. The Dacotah Bank Center adheres to a strict clear bag policy, and guests in violation of the policy will not be allowed entrance. 

Parking, traffic information 

Parking for commencement ceremonies is free to participants and guests. 

Ingress traffic flow will be directed from the north using Interstate 29 Exit 133 and from the south using Exit 132. Drivers approaching the Dacotah Bank Center are asked to follow traffic directions from the Brookings Police Department and Dacotah Bank Center parking staff. They will guide visitors to the nearest available spots. 

Traffic leaving the Dacotah Bank Center will be directed north to the Highway 14 Bypass. Drivers are asked to follow the parking and traffic attendants’ directions upon egress. 

Due to street closures on 34th Avenue, guests should not use Exit 130 when approaching Brookings from the south. 

Accessible parking 

Accessible parking spaces can be found at the south side of the Dacotah Bank Center. If these parking spaces are full, there is a designated ADA drop-off area on the southeast side of the Dacotah Bank Center to accommodate commencement participants and guests. 

Returning to campus, community 

At the completion of each ceremony, most traffic will be directed north to the Highway 14 Bypass. Once drivers are on the Highway 14 Bypass, access to campus and the Brookings community is available at several access points: 

• 22nd Avenue – Easy access to McCrory Gardens 
• Jackrabbit Avenue – Easy access to the University Student Union 
• Stadium Road – Access to campus 
• Medary Avenue – Closest access to downtown Brookings and the SDSU Alumni Center 

Guests may also be directed east on the Highway 14 Bypass; this is a short route back to Sixth Street/Highway 14 with easy access back to the Brookings community. 

Find more information on spring 2024 graduation ceremonies and activities online.