University of Minnesota will no longer host high school graduations

The University of Minnesota will stop hosting high school graduations at its venues, including the 3M Arena at Mariucci, due to resource strains and safety concerns. The arena, which can hold over 6,000 attendees, had become a popular location for suburban high school ceremonies, hosting 24 events last year. University officials cited the unsustainable nature of hosting over 20 events in a short period and referenced a recent shooting incident as a pivotal factor in their decision. School district representatives voiced disappointment, noting the difficulty in securing alternative locations that can accommodate large crowds. Many schools had previously enjoyed the flexibility of not requiring tickets for attendees.

The Anoka-Hennepin district, one of the largest in the state, had relied on Mariucci for graduations for years, making this change particularly challenging. The move may also impact graduation day logistics for schools, emphasizing the need for new venue arrangements. Overall, this decision underscores the complexities of managing large public gatherings amid safety and resource concerns.