Graduating At The Alamodome Tips

She did it!

My daughter graduated. 

Her high school always has graduations in the Alamodome, which is the same location many concerts are held. We've seen Elton John & Billy Joel there. 

It can be a bit chaotic. The parking. The crowds. The seating. So I decided to help with the confusion.

1. Get there early. San Antonio traffic can be unforgiving. It'll be even more unforgiving closer to the Alamodome. Natalie had to be there at 8 AM. We left the house at 720 AM and she was still 5 minutes late due to traffic. Luckily other people were also stuck in it, so she wasn't the last to arrive. If you have DV plates like Tom, you'll get to park in Lot A and it's free. (Lots B & C are for general parking and it's $15.)  We drove in and dropped Natalie off at the front. There are clumps of graduates they can join. You cannot miss them. 

2. There really is no set line. People are kind of scattered around the doors. Doors open an hour before graduation. As soon as the doors open, filter over to the security areas. There will be several entrances. 

3. Yes, they are strict about the clear bag policy. I saw some people turned away due to bringing in regular purses. You cannot do this. Don't have a clear bag? I found mine at Five Below. 

4. Read the rules on what you can and cannot bring in. Noise makers are NOT allowed. During the graduation, someone managed to sneak one in and security immediately went over to them and confiscated the item. Do not embarrass your graduate and do this. 

5. If you want the center section, go through door 143. We had no idea where to go. We went into another and was on the side. So we backed out and found 143. This area fills up the fastest. 

6. It'll take about 2 hours to get through if there are 800 graduates. Bring a book. I'm kidding. Kind of. I was tempted. But I didn't want to be rude. 

7. Yes, there are food and drinks for sale since you cannot bring outside beverages and snacks. Pepsi products, popcorn, and salted pretzels are what I mostly saw. 

8. There are also flowers and stuffed animals to purchase. I didn't catch the cost, but I imagine they are overpriced. You CAN bring flowers in so long as they are not in a vase. I recommend this if you want to save money. Stuffed animals are NOT allowed because they want you to buy their expensive ones.

9. After the ceremony, graduates are let out to the HEB Plaza. Not sure where it is? Go out Gate 1 or Gate 12. You cannot miss the hats. There will be TONS of people, so hold up the bouquet of flowers you brought and text to head towards your arm. 

10. Move away from the crowd for pics. It might take a bit to find an area, but it is possible. We did not do this. We should have. 

11. Take it all in. It's the last high school activity EVER. Get a shirt with your child's face on it. I ordered one for Etsy, but I know many can make their own. 

It can be a whirlwind of emotions. I know I teared up at least five times. I mean, you cannot hear Pomp & Circumstance and just SIT THERE. (Well, I guess you can. Tom did. Tommy did. But I COULD NOT.)

I know I did it again when the graduates tossed their caps in the air. 

When it's all over, let out a breath of relief. It's over. They did it!