Deadline Reminder: Media Passes Required for Journalists to Cover UMass Amherst Commencement on Friday, May 13
AMHERST, Mass. – Media passes will be required to gain access to the field at Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium for coverage of the Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Friday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m. U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern is the featured speaker.
All reporters, photographers and videographers, including those from on-campus media outlets, must contact the Office of News and Media Relations at 413-545-0445 to obtain passes for the ceremony. Passes will be available for pick-up in 109 Munson Hall. Unless other arrangements are made, it is strongly advised that media representatives obtain their passes by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11.
On commencement day, the press needs to check in at the media tent on arrival at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Due to expected heavy traffic, the press is advised to arrive by 3:30 p.m. to ensure timely access to the ceremony.
For assistance obtaining passes, please contact the Office of News and Media Relations’ office manager Nancy Miller at nancy.miller@umass.edu or 413-545-0445.
Directions to Reserved Media Parking
From Interstate 91 Northbound
Take Exit 25 (old exit 19) (Route 9: Northampton/Amherst)
- Turn right onto Route 9 toward Hadley/Amherst; follow for approximately 4 miles
- Turn left onto North Maple Street (at the Home Depot shopping plaza); follow for 1 mile
- Turn right onto Rocky Hill Road; follow for approx. 1/2 mile
Please note: Access onto Rocky Hill Road is restricted for Commencement and a police detail will ask for your media credentials.
After crossing the overpass bridge, turn left at the stadium entrance (at the “Stonehenge” boulder arrangement) and follow signs to Media Parking.
If coming from Boston or Albany via Interstate 90/Mass Pike (Westbound or Eastbound)
- Take Exit 4, merge onto Interstate 91 Northbound toward Holyoke; follow for approx. 14 miles
- Follow directions above