Graduation Fees

Families have until May 8th to pay all fees or they will not be permitted to walk at this year's ceremony.  The $50 chromebook buy back fee the district applied to all Seniors through Infinite Campus, will be waived as long as their chromebook and charger are turned in . It is not a mandatory fee, but all other fees including athletics must be paid. 

Guide to Graduation at the Schottenstein Center.

Graduation Date: Saturday May 23rd 2026

Pickerington High School Central Graduation Time: 2 p.m.

Pickerington High School North Graduation Time: 6 p.m.

Arrive no later than 90 minutes before your graduation time. 

Location: 555 Borror Dr. Columbus, OH. 43210

The Schottenstein Center is very pleased to welcome Graduates, Families, and Friends to this year’s ceremony! Please take time to review this information so that we can help your Graduate have the best possible experience on this exciting day. Additional policies and information can be found at www.schottensteincenter.com. You can also find information on our interactive map at map.schottensteincenter.com 

• There will be NO transportation to The Schott. Students and families are responsible for getting themselves to the graduation ceremony.
• Students needing to arrive on time. Students who are late will not be permitted to walk.

Ticketing

Tickets are not required for the 2026 High School Graduation ceremonies inside the Schottenstein Center. Seats are first-come, first serve in all sections. There is not a limit on the number of guests able to attend.

Facility Entrance 

Please plan to arrive at the venue much earlier than you normally would to reduce congestion and wait times. All guests will pass through a metal detector screening upon entry. If you wait until shortly before the ceremony to enter – you will miss part of the event. Doors for each ceremony will open approximately 60 minutes prior to the start time.  

Accessible Seating 

Accessible seating is available on the entry level (100).  The seating area is level with the exterior walkways and concourses and involves no stairs.  Disability seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  We ask families to try to limit themselves to one companion with the guest in need so that we may accommodate others.  There is an ample amount of traditional seating adjacent to the handicap accessible platforms that the rest of your party could take advantage of. 

Post-Ceremony Meet Up 

Families should make plans to meet up with their graduating student at a designated location outside of the arena or off-campus. There are often multiple ceremonies being held back-to-back inside the arena. Families will be asked to leave directly after the ceremony, so faculty can set up for the following graduation ceremony. 

The Schottenstein Center manages all safety and security operations, and all venue policies will be strictly enforced. We appreciate your cooperation in following venue rules and staff instructions

No Bag Policy 

Bags or purses of any size are NOT permitted into the Schottenstein Center. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5”x8”x1” are permitted. Guests entering with medical, dietary, or childcare needs will enter through one dedicated lane available at each entrance to have their items inspected. One bag per person will be permitted for those with medical, dietary, or childcare needs such as: medications, medical equipment & supplies, single serving snack for medical needs, diapers, formula, baby food, baby bottles, breast pump, etc. 

Gifts 

Wrapped packages/gifts, balloons, and bags are not permitted into the arena and will be stopped during the security inspection process at the gates. Please be sure to exchange gifts at home. 

Disruptions 

Guests are expected to refrain from any actions that may interrupt or interfere with the ceremony. Any actions deemed by School Administrators or Schottenstein Center staff to be disruptive will be asked to leave the ceremony. We hope to provide a respectful and celebratory environment for all in attendance.  

Permitted Items 

• Binoculars (without cases)
• Body worn baby carriers
• Bottles that are clear, plastic, and empty
• Cameras and video recording devices
• Coats & jackets (worn or carried)
• Mobility devices (such as canes, crutches, walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, scooters)
• Wallets, wristlets, or clutches no larger than 5”x8”x1”.
• One bag per person will be permitted for those with medical, dietary or childcare needs such as: medications, medical equipment & supplies, single serving snack for medical needs, diapers, formula, baby food, baby bottles, breast pump, etc. 

Prohibited Items/ Security Screening 

Guests are subject to inspection of person, parcels, bags, and clothing capable of concealing prohibited items. Guests may refuse inspections, but management reserves the right to refuse entry. Guests that are found at screening or inside the arena with prohibited items are subject to Ohio Law and/or ejection from the arena. Prohibited items may be confiscated. Guests will be asked to comply with all screenings (i.e. removal of hats, emptying metal from pockets, entry through metal detectors, etc.). 

Other prohibited items include: 

• All bags larger than 5x8x1 inches.
• Banners, flags, posters, and signs that interfere with the viewing of other guests
• Clothing with profane, inappropriate or abusive language
• Containers (common examples include but are not limited to hard sided coolers, soft pack coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets, cans, heavy plastic or glass bottles, thermoses)
• Confetti, streamers, glitter, balloons
• Firearms. Weapons are not permitted in the arena/stadium. Possession of a firearm or weapon is strictly forbidden. Possession of a weapon will result in immediate confiscation, ejection and/or possible arrest. Off-duty law enforcement: click here for concealed-carry policy
• Fireworks or explosives
• Food and beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Inflatables (balls, balloons, etc.)
• Markers or Paint
• Tripods
• Noisemaking devices (common examples include but are not limited to whistles, air horns, bull horns, blow horns, musical instruments, kazoos, bugles, cow bells, thunder sticks, sirens, milk jugs with rocks or coins, and stereos)
• Sticks, Poles, Pipes or Selfie sticks
• Weapons or items that mimic weapons including but not limited to: (aerosol cans, mace, pepper spray, lighters, matches, firearms, including CCW permit holders, fireworks, pocket knives, knives, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, stun guns, squirt guns, super soakers and chains) or any item deemed dangerous or inappropriate. • Wrapped gifts or packages • Anything deemed by management to pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other guests. 

Concessions 

A few concessions stand locations will be open inside the arena before and during the ceremony. All concessions transactions will be cashless. Credit cards and smartphone payments will be accepted. 

Wheelchair Escorts 

Complimentary wheelchair escorts are available at any entry point. Upon your arrival at the arena, ask any of our uniformed staff and they will call for an escort. You do not need to make arrangements prior to your event. They will escort you as close as possible to your seat and will make arrangements to pick you up after the event. Please be aware that our escort staff will not remain with you during the event, nor will they allow you to remain in our wheelchair for the duration of the event. Guest Attendants will assist guests who wish to transfer to a seat from their personal wheelchair with storing of their wheelchair during the event. 

Family Accommodations 

Baby changing stations are available in all restrooms. Private Family Restrooms are available near Section 124 on the Entry level. Strollers are welcome but must be stored under your seat or stored at Guest Services near Section 127 A dedicated Nursing Mother’s Room/Sensory Room is available for guests near Section 104. This quiet space includes soft furniture, a refrigerator, microwave, sink, baby changing table, and TV. 

No Smoking/Tobacco

The use of tobacco products (including and not limited to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, hookah smoked products, pipes, oral tobacco and nasal tobacco) is prohibited in all university buildings and on all university-owned properties, including parking lots, garages, and outside areas. This includes any product intended to mimic tobacco products or deliver nicotine other than for the purpose of cessation. 

Driving & Parking Information 

Parking Locations & Fees

Guest parking will be available in the Scarlet and Gray Lots adjacent to the Schottenstein Center on graduation days. Follow the directions of the traffic control staff.  High School Graduations Parking Fee: We will not be providing parking passes, each vehicle will be charged $15 to park. Parking is cashless - only credit/debit cards and mobile smartphone payments will be accepted in the lots. The venue is also cashless. 

Disability parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Scarlet Lots adjacent to the Schottenstein Center. Parking is also $15 (cashless) to park in the disability lot for high school graduations.  

Check out the parking map here to plan ahead. 

Drop Off / Pick Up 

In addition to available ADA parking spaces, guests with disabilities can be dropped-off and picked-up near the arena. Pickups and drop offs are conducted on Borror Drive - which runs along the North side of the arena. Traffic Control staff can direct you to the designated location for your event. 

• There will be NO transportation to The Schott. Students and families are responsible for getting themselves to the graduation ceremony.
• Students needing to arrive on time. Students who are late will not be permitted to walk.