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Stadium Information

 As Commencement approaches, we’re sharing key information about Salem Stadium to help you know what to expect on the day. If you have any other questions or need additional information, please email commencement@roanoke.edu. 

stadium

Field Layout

We will have the stage and graduate seating in the middle of the field with the stage facing the home bleachers.

View map

Seating

The seating in the stadium is bleacher style. You are welcome to bring blankets to sit on. There is enough seating in the bleachers for more than 4,000 guests. There is also a sidewalk and hill beside the bleachers where people can sit if they prefer.

Accessible Seating

In the photo. you will see four ramp entrances. The stadium has seating for wheelchairs as well as seating options for those that cannot climb stairs. These are first-come, first-served. View seating map.

    • Wheelchair seating – The outer ramps have space available for wheelchairs access. There is also wheelchair access on the top row (with elevator access) that can seat wheelchairs as well.
    • There are a couple of rows of seating that are at ramp level and require no steps as well as a couple of rows that have one or two steps only. These areas are ideal for those with mobility issues. Seating there will be first-come, first-served. However, we suggest that large groups sit in other seating and limit seating in the accessibility zones to only 2 or 3 people so that we can accommodate those who may need this seating.

Clear Bag Policy

Guests are strongly encouraged to carry as few items as possible. Be advised that the Salem Civic Center and Salem Stadium have a strict Clear Bag Policy. Bags allowed inside the stadium include clear plastic bags that are no larger than 12” tall x 6” deep x 12” wide or small clutch bags that are no larger than 5.5” tall x 8.5” wide. Prohibited bags include: diaper bags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, and coolers. Read the full policy here.

Prohibited Items

Please be aware that the following are prohibited inside Salem Stadium: Umbrellas, outside food and drink, pets (except ADA service animals), bags that do not meet the clear bag policy standards, laser pointers, glass containers, unmanned aircrafts (drones), fireworks or explosives, weapons, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Smoking and vaping are also prohibited inside the stadium.

Concessions

Concessions will be sold at the stadium. Thanks to the Salem Lions Club for its partnership with us and Salem Stadium.

Field Access

Access to the field is limited to graduates, faculty and authorized personnel. Families are asked to enjoy the event from the stands.

Livestream

Commencement will be livestreamed for out-of-town family members.

Getting to the Stadium

    • The stadium has ample parking spaces for all to attend. The Texas Street entrance may have the most traffic.
    • To avoid heavy traffic at the entrance, you can enter the Salem Civic Center entrances to get to the parking lot.
    • We will provide limited shuttle services if a student or family needs assistance. Please contact commencement@roanoke.edu if you would like to make a request for this service.

Directions

Salem Stadium is located at 1008 Texas Street, Salem, VA 24153.

  • From the North - Take I-81 South to Exit 141. Follow the signs to Salem. From the exit ramp, take Route 419 South. Continue to follow signs toward Salem Civic Center.
  • From the South - Take I-81 North to Exit 141. Follow the signs to Salem. From the exit ramp, take Route 419 South. Continue to follow signs toward Salem Civic Center.
  • From U.S. 220 - Take the Franklin Road exit to Route 419. Follow Route 419 past Brambleton Avenue and Apperson Drive (about 8 miles). Take a left at Roanoke Boulevard and go 1/4 mile to entrance on right.
  • From Roanoke College (Peery Drive entrance) - Make a right onto Thompson Memorial Drive. Then in 0.3 miles make a left turn at the first traffic light onto East Main Street. In 0.3 miles, make a right on Lynchburg Turnpike. Continue Lynchburg Turnpike for 0.8 miles. Then make a right at the junction onto Texas Street and in 0.3 miles make a left onto Taliaferro Way to enter the stadium parking lot.