About the Cross Insurance Arena
The Cross Insurance Arena (formerly known as the Cumberland County Civic Center) is the ideal spot for our University Commencement Ceremony. Nestled in downtown Portland, the Cross Insurance Arena provides convenient parking, assistance for the disabled, and ample seating for friends and family.
Parking
Parking is available at the Spring Street Parking Garage adjacent to the Cross Insurance Arena on a space-available basis at the pre-pay event rate of $9. Parking is also available at the One City Center Garage (entrance on Free Street) at the rate of $5 per hour. This garage is fully automated and accepts credit cards only.
Accessible Parking
Handicapped accessible parking is available at the Spring Street Parking Garage on each level; this garage is accessible via Spring Street or Free Street. The garage's pedestrian entrance directly into the Cross Insurance Arena lobby is not wheelchair accessible; if you or guests in your party have limited mobility, take the garage elevator to the first floor. The access ramp to the Cross Insurance Arena is on the left.
All vehicles parked in the handicapped parking areas must have official license plates or placards issues by the vehicle's home state.
Graduate Seating
During the ceremony, graduates will march in and be seated on the floor area of the Cross Insurance Arena. Seat location will be based on a graduate's college and the degree they are receiving. To find the approximate section where your graduating student will be seated, please view the graduate seating diagram (PDF).
Disability Services
Seating
The Cross Insurance Arena is fully accessible for guests with special/mobility needs with multiple designated seating areas (see diagram PDF). Cross Insurance Arena ushers will be available to direct guests to seating as needed. Each guest with a disability may be accompanied by one other guest into the designated seating area. The remaining guests will need to find other seating. This will be strictly enforced by Arena staff. We regret that this may provide some inconvenience for families, but does ensure appropriate seating for those guests with special needs.
Doors to the Cross Insurance Arena will open at 9 a.m. for general seating. The availability of seating for guests with disabilities is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make every effort to arrive early to assure your seating needs are met.
Wheelchairs and Carts
Guests who use wheelchairs or carts can use the Spring Street or the Free Street entrance to enter the main lobby. The Free Street side will have an elevator off the sidewalk and the Spring Street side will have a ramp. Accessible elevators and bathrooms are located at each end of the facility. There are wheelchair seating spaces available on the upper and ground levels of the facility (see diagram).
Guests with Limited Mobility
Guests with limited mobility (walkers, crutches, limited walking ability) can use the Spring Street or the Free Street entrance. There are wheelchairs available to take you to a seat if necessary.
Guests with Visual Impairments
Guests with visual impairments may choose to sit on the floor, close to the stage. The ceremony will also be projected onto large screens on each side of the stage which enlarges the view for the entire audience.
Guests with Hearing Impairments
Guests with hearing impairments may borrow an assistive listening device from the Cross Insurance Arena Box Office. (Please note that limited quantities are available.) The Box Office can be accessed by entering the building through the Spring Street or the Free Street side (see diagram). You will be required to leave a form of picture identification as a deposit. The assistive listening device will allow you to hear the ceremony at any seat in the arena. Please return the device at the close of the ceremony and your identification will be returned to you. Interpreting services and closed caption will be provided.
Attendance Policies
For more information refer to http://www.crossarenaportland.com/plan-your-visit.
Food and Beverages
No food or beverages (including alcohol, coffee, bottled water, or empty beverage containers) may be brought into the Cross Insurance Arena during events. This policy is strictly enforced.
Security and Metal Detectors
Ensuring the safety of guests is always a top priority. Please be advised that venue security may utilize Walk-Through Metal Detectors (Magnetometers) to search all patrons entering the facility. Guests should keep the following in mind:
- Minimize the number of personal items brought to the venue.
- Allow extra time for arriving to and entering the venue.
- Guests will be asked to remove from their clothing/belongings/any item(s) that may trigger the alarm, including cell phones and keys, before they pass through the metal detector (Magnetometer) units.
- Bags will be searched. Please do not bring backpacks into the Cross Insurance Arena.
- If the Metal Detector (Magnetometer) alarm sounds, guests will be subject to a secondary screening which may slow entry into the venue.
- The same list of venue-prohibited items will still apply.
- It is at the discretion of venue management as to what events these units will be in use for.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in the Cross Insurance Arena.