E.J. Thomas Hall following spring commencement

Driving to commencement? Here are tips to avoid construction

Updated May 10, 2019

Family and friends of graduating Zips who are returning to campus for the first time in years may be surprised not just by the physical transformation of our campus, but also by the highway ramp closures and downtown road construction to which Zips and other Akronites have grown accustomed. The following directions to the Commencement venue have been updated based on the latest road construction information for May 10-12, 2019.

Commencement location: E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St. in Akron.

Parking: Where to park. Parking if free. No permits required.

Local traffic – Akron

Using Market Street:

Take East Market Street to College Street and head south toward campus (there is a large UA sign on the corner). Continue through the light at E. Mill Street, and then turn right onto S. Forge Street. Parking is available in the lots and deck along Forge Street or turn left onto Hill Street to reach Thomas Hall.

Using Exchange Street /Broadway:

Take E. Exchange Street to Broadway (one-way) and head north. Turn right onto University Avenue. Go through the light and then turn left onto Hill Street. Thomas Hall is on the left. Additional parking is available in the parking lots and deck along S. Forge Street.

From the northwest, west – Cleveland

Take I-77 South /I-76 East. Exit at Main Street, and turn left at the light. This will turn into Broadway. Continue on Broadway (about 1.5 mi.) to University Avenue. Turn right onto University Avenue. Go through the light and then turn left onto Hill Street. Thomas Hall is on the left. Additional parking is available in the parking lots and deck along S. Forge Street.

From the south – Canton

Take I-77 North to the Central Interchange. From the Central Interchange, follow Route 8 North. Take the first exit, which is Buchtel Avenue /Carroll Street. At the second light turn left onto Buchtel Avenue. After passing the light at S. College Street, commencement parking will be available in the deck and lot along the right. Buchtel Avenue ends at Hill Street, directly in front of Thomas Hall.

From the north – Stow /Cuyahoga Falls

Take Route 8 South and exit at Buchtel Avenue /Carroll Street. At the first light turn right onto Buchtel Avenue. After passing the light at S. College Street, commencement parking will be available in the deck and lot along the right. Buchtel Avenue ends at Hill Street, directly in front of Thomas Hall.

From the east – Youngstown /Kent

Take I-76 West to the Central Interchange. From the Central Interchange, follow Route 8 North. Take the first exit, which is Buchtel Avenue /Carroll Street. At the second light turn left onto Buchtel Avenue. After passing the light at S. College Street, commencement parking will be available in the deck and lot along the right. Buchtel Avenue ends at Hill Street, directly in front of Thomas Hall.