Dudley's on Short
A downtown restaurant on West Short Street serving dinner and a Friday through Sunday brunch since 1981, with rooftop garden seating in season.
UK December Commencement 2026
The University of Kentucky holds two December Commencement ceremonies at Rupp Arena on Friday, December 18, at 10 am and 2 pm.
The details that matter
- When
- Friday, December 18
10 amEastern Time
Other dates (1)
- Where
- Rupp Arena
430 West Vine StreetGet directions - Admission
- Free; guests need no tickets
- Registration
- See About this event for what the listing says, and ask University of Kentucky Commencement about sign-up
- Who to ask
Questions about this event go to the organizer, University of Kentucky Commencement. Ask them through the official event page.
From the official source
Last checked October 27, 2026.
See the original listingSupporting source 1Schedules and availability can change. Something changed? Send a correction.
Before you go
Check which ceremony your graduate's college is in on UK's Commencement page before you plan the day. Bags follow UK basketball's rules. Accessible seating and parking are first come, first served, and UK suggests arriving an hour early.
About this event
UK's Commencement page lists two ceremonies on Friday, December 18, 2026, at 10 am and 2 pm at Rupp Arena, 430 West Vine Street. Colleges are assigned to a ceremony later and listed on that page in walking order. UK's FAQ says guests need no tickets and there is no limit on guests, parking at Rupp Arena is free for guests and graduates, and each ceremony lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. The ceremonies are livestreamed on YouTube, with the link on the Commencement homepage that morning.
Good to know
Only what the organizer or the venue states on official pages. Not stated means we did not find it there, so ask before you go. Accessibility guide
- Dogs
- At Rupp Arena: No pets.“Animals or pets of any kind are prohibited with the exception of service animals.”From centralbankcenter.com, checked October 27, 2026
- Strollers
- At Rupp Arena: Strollers welcome.“Strollers are permitted inside the arena.”A guest experience staff member says where to store them.From centralbankcenter.com, checked October 27, 2026
- Wheelchair access
- At Rupp Arena: Wheelchair access stated.“Accessible seating is available for purchase through the Central Bank Center Ticket Office (859-233-3535) or through Ticketmaster (800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com ).”For UK events, the arena says to call UK's ticket office about accessible seating. Rupp does not supply or rent wheelchairs.From centralbankcenter.com, checked October 27, 2026
- Sensory supports
- At Rupp Arena: Sensory supports offered.“The Wellness Room is a space designed for nursing mothers or those with sensory needs who require a quiet space.”It is on the concourse at Section 30; ask a Guest Experience Representative. The arena guide says it has sensory items, weighted lap pads and soft lighting.From centralbankcenter.com, checked October 27, 2026
Access details we have checked
At Rupp Arena, only what the venue's own pages say. Anything not listed here has not been checked, so ask the venue about it.
- Accessible parking
- OfferedFor UK men’s basketball, a valid state-issued disabled hang tag lets you park in the non-reserved ADA lot at Gate 1: first come, first served, $27 per vehicle, no cash.From ukathletics.com, checked October 21, 2026
Food before or after
Browse food and drinkPlaces in Downtown to consider, listed alphabetically. Check today’s hours and booking before you go.
Joe Bologna's Restaurant
An Italian restaurant and pizza parlor on West Maxwell Street, open since 1973 in a former synagogue with stained-glass windows. Pizza dough and breadsticks are made in house.
Le Deauville
A French bistro on North Limestone serving dinner.