Dec. 20, 2026 | Frontwave Arena
Fall 2026 Commencement

Family and support systems of our fall 2026 graduates!

Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026
Frontwave Arena | Oceanside

We are excited to welcome you to celebrate this special achievement with your gradate. Use this page to help plan your visit for a smooth and enjoyable time on commencement day. Find information about guest tickets, parking, accessibility, venue policies, seating, photography and more.

Due to the limited capacity of Frontwave Arena, graduates planning to participate in fall 2026 commencement must complete commencement registration by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 13, 2026. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity and availability.

On This Page

Parking and Directions

Commencement will be hosted at Frontwave Arena, located at:

3475 Hero Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056

Guests attending commencement should plan their route in advance and allow extra travel time due to increased traffic before and after each ceremony.

Guest parking

Parking is free during commencement. Guests will be directed by Frontwave parking staff to park in Lot B (general parking). Please visit the Frontwave Arena website for more information on directions and parking.

Please note:

• All lots will open 90 minutes before doors opening.
• General parking is located on a dirt lot with uneven walking surfaces leading to the arena entrance.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Guests with mobility needs should place their placard on their dash before entering Frontwave Arena so they can be directed to ADA parking in Lot A. For more information on accessibility, please visit the ADA page.
• There is no shuttle service available. Guests should be prepared to walk and stand on uneven or sloped surfaces.
• Guests will not be allowed to loiter or tailgate before, during or after commencement. All Frontwave Arena parking lots must be cleared out after the conclusion of each commencement ceremony.

Alternative transportation

Guests are encouraged to consider alternative transportation to reduce traffic congestion and parking delays.

Options include:

• Carpooling with family and friends.
• Rideshare or taxi services.
• North County Transit District (NCTD) bus and SPRINTER services.

Nearby transit stations include:

• Rancho Del Oro SPRINTER Station (closest rail station)
• Rancho Del Oro Drive & El Corazon Drive bus stops
• Oceanside Transit Center, approximately 5 miles from Frontwave Arena

For transit schedules and route planning, visit the NCTD website

Guest Tickets

Commencement is a ticketed event, and all guests ages 3 and older must have a valid digital ticket to enter Frontwave Arena.

Guest tickets are distributed through the AXS Ticketing platform and are only available to graduates who have successfully registered for commencement.

Before you receive your ticket

Before guests can receive tickets, the graduate must:

• Apply to graduate for the appropriate graduation term.
• Complete commencement registration by Nov. 13.
• Claim their guest tickets during the designated ticket claim period.

Graduates who do not complete commencement registration by the deadline will not be eligible to participate in the ceremony or receive guest tickets.

Each eligible graduate may claim up to eight (8) guest tickets.

Receiving your guest ticket

Guest tickets are managed through the AXS ticketing platform.

Once the graduate claims their guest tickets, they must transfer each ticket to their guests through AXS.

Guests will receive an email notification from AXS once a ticket has been transferred to them. After accepting the transfer, the ticket will appear in their AXS account and mobile app.

Please note: California State University San Marcos Commencement will not appear as a searchable or public event within the AXS app. Tickets are only accessible after they have been transferred by your graduate.

Guests are encouraged to confirm with their graduate that their ticket has been successfully transferred and is visible in the AXS app before arriving at Frontwave Arena.

Download the AXS app

All guest tickets are digital and must be accessed through the AXS mobile app.

Download the app before commencement and sign in using the email address where your graduate transferred your ticket.

If you experience issues with your AXS account, please visit the AXS Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Mobile tickets only

Guests must present their live ticket within the AXS mobile app when entering Frontwave Arena.

Printed tickets, screenshots, photos of tickets, PDFs or other copies will not be accepted for entry.

AXS Mobile ID uses a secure, rotating QR code that refreshes every 60 seconds. This technology helps protect against duplicate or fraudulent tickets and ensures that each ticket can only be scanned once for admission.

Entering the arena

Each guest must have a valid digital ticket ready for scanning upon arrival.

For convenience, families attending together may choose one person to hold all guest tickets within their AXS app and present each ticket for scanning as the group enters the arena.

Alternatively, each guest may present their own ticket using the AXS app on their individual mobile device.

Please have your ticket open and ready before reaching the entrance to help expedite entry.

Additional guest tickets

Each graduate may initially claim up to eight (8) guest tickets.

The deadline to claim guest tickets is Nov. 20, 2026.

After the ticket claim deadline, the Commencement Office will review ticket availability.

If additional tickets are available to distribute equitably to all registered graduates, the Commencement Office will notify all eligible graduates through their CSUSM email with instructions on how to request or claim additional tickets.

If no additional tickets are available for redistribution, no email announcement will be sent.

Because ticket availability cannot be determined until after the claim deadline, please do not contact the Commencement Office requesting additional guest tickets before Nov. 20, 2026.

Ceremony Information

We look forward to welcoming you to California State University San Marcos’ fall 2026 commencement on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026, at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside.

Due to venue capacity and the number of graduates participating, commencement is divided into two ceremonies. Each graduate is assigned to a ceremony based on their college affiliation. Please confirm your graduate’s ceremony date and time before making travel or dining arrangements.

Guests should plan to arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, venue entry, ticket scanning and finding their seats.

All guests ages 3 and older are required to have a valid digital ticket to enter Frontwave Arena. Children ages 2 and younger do not require a ticket and are expected to remain on an accompanying adult’s lap.

Fall 2026 commencement ceremony schedule

Find your ceremony

Visit the Graduate Lookup Tool to confirm the ceremony your graduate will be participating in.Graduate Lookup Tool

Livestream and digital programs

Friends and family who are unable to attend in person may watch the ceremony live online.

The livestream webpage will also provide access to each ceremony's digital program.Livestream & Digital Programs

Security & Prohibited Items

The safety of our graduates, guests, faculty, staff and volunteers is our highest priority. To help provide a safe and enjoyable commencement experience, all guests entering Frontwave Arena are required to pass through venue security screening.

We encourage all guests to review the information below before arriving to help expedite entry into the arena.

Security screening

All guests are subject to security screening before entering Frontwave Arena.

Security measures may include:

• Walk-through security machines
• Visual inspection of personal belongings
• Bag inspections

Guests are subject to a secondary security screening and bags are subject to search by venue security. Guests who decline security screening or are found in possession of prohibited items may be denied entry into the venue.

Please arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, walking to the arena and completing the security screening process.

Clear Bag Policy

Frontwave Arena has a clear bag policy to help expedite security screening.

Each guest may bring one (1) of the following:

• A clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag  not to exceed 14”x6”x14”.
• Guests may bring a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag in lieu of a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag.

A small clutch or wallet (with or without a strap) that do not exceed 4.5” x 5.5”.

Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are permitted but will be subject to additional security screening.

For the most current bag dimensions and policy, please visit the Frontwave Arena website before commencement.

Prohibited items

Guests and graduates with prohibited items will be asked to return them to their vehicles. Security will not hold items. If confiscated, they will not be returned or reimbursed. Lockers are not available.

The following items and activities are prohibited:

• Alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping
• Street drugs and illegal substances
• Includes cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems or any item containing chemical fluids (including e-cigarette fluid)
• Banners or signs larger than 20"x20"
• To avoid obstructing the view of others, please store banners until your graduate is called
• This includes flags
• Balloons or confetti
• Car seats and strollers
• Coolers, cans or glass bottles
• Costumes (no full face masks)
• Decals and stickers
• Drones
• Electronics, including, laptops, iPads and two-way radios
• Fireworks, firearms, weapons
• Including but not limited to knives, box cutters, mace, pepper spray, brass knuckles, fireworks, stun guns, pocket knives, scissors, utility knives
• Items considered “tools”
• Undercover officers and federal agents with concealed weapons must contact CSUSM University Police Department
• Outside food and beverages. This includes factory sealed items.
• Heelys, skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards, bicycles, helmets
• Inflatable items or other similar objects such as baseballs, bats, beach balls, Nerf balls, dolls, frisbees
• Laser pens, pointers, flashlights, glow products (including sticks, necklaces, bracelets, eyeglasses, masks, hats, gloves)
• Lawn chairs, folding chairs or similar objects
• Noise-making devices of any kind, including air horns, cowbells, drums and whistles
• Non-service animals and pets
• Pamphlets or product samples
• Permanent markers, spray paint and similar items
• Professional cameras, zoom lenses beyond 3 inches, video and audio recording equipment, tripods, GoPros, monopods
• No MetaGlasses
• No flash photography
• No selfie sticks
• Wallet/purse chains, studded belts, bracelets
• Wrapped gifts (gifts will be unwrapped during security screening) and sealed items.

Other items not listed above may be deemed unsafe or disruptive by venue personnel as well as university faculty and staff.

Guest conduct and ceremony etiquette

We are excited to celebrate this important milestone with our graduates and their guests. Your cooperation with the following ceremony etiquette guidelines helps ensure that everyone can enjoy and fully experience this special occasion.

• Remain seated: Guests must remain in their seats during the ceremony and may not stand in aisles, block walkways or climb on chairs.
• The ceremony: Please refrain from loud conversations, disruptive behavior or use of air horns, cowbells or noisemakers (which are not permitted in the venue). Applause is encouraged, but please allow every graduate’s name to be heard. This ensures that every graduate receives their moment to be celebrated with equal attention.
• Guests should be prepared to walk and stand on uneven or sloped surfaces. Shuttle service is not available.
• Stay in guest areas: Guests are not permitted in graduate seating sections, backstage areas, the stage or any restricted zones. Security credentials are required in these areas for non-graduates.
• Photography and video: Personal photography and short video clips may be taken from your seat only. Tripods, monopods, drones and professional camera equipment are not permitted. Official photographs will be taken of graduates as they cross the stage.
• Children and families: Children must always remain with an adult to ensure their safety.
• Dress and decorum: Guests must wear proper attire (shirts, pants and shoes). Clothing with obscene, offensive or disruptive images/text is prohibited.
• Health and safety: All guests must comply with posted venue health and safety policies, as well as local and state regulations.
• Courtesy to others: Offensive language, obscene gestures, fighting or disruptive conduct will result in removal from the venue.
• Follow staff and faculty instructions: Guests must be respectful and follow directions from commencement staff and faculty, security, University Police, parking staff and venue personnel at all times.
• Parking and departure: Loitering or tailgating in parking lots is not permitted. Lots must be cleared within one hour of the ceremony’s conclusion.
• Reporting issues: For assistance, please contact a commencement staff member (blue polo shirt) or venue personnel. Venue security are trained to respond promptly.

Note: Guests who fail to comply with these guidelines may be subject to removal from the venue and, if applicable, further action under local ordinances.

Guest Seating

Guest seating at Frontwave Arena is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To help make arrival and seating as easy as possible, please review the information below before attending commencmenet.

How do I enter the venue?

Guests may enter through one of the two general admission entrances located at the Northwest Gate and the West Gate of the building.

[map]

Before entering, you will go through security screening. Have your digital tickets scanned on your AXS app. Printed copies or screenshots will not be accepted.

Where do I sit?

Guest seating is first come, first served. Guests may select any available seat within the designated seating areas. Seat saving is not permitted. If you would like to sit with family or friends, we recommend arriving together and selecting your seats at the same time.

Sections located beside or behind the stage (Sections 103-116 and 216) will be closed because of obstructed views.

View the Frontwave Arena Interactive Seating Chart .

Please note that the interactive seating chart reflects the arena’s general configuration and may not match the seating configuration used for commencement. Guest seating areas may be different based on the ceremony setup.

Seating for children

Guests ages 3 and older must have a ticket and will have their own seat.

Children ages 2 and younger do not require a ticket and are expected to remain on an accompanying adult's lap.

Strollers, car seats and similar items will not be allowed into the seating area of the venue. Strollers, car seats and similar items will need to be left at designated areas around the venue or left in the guest’s car.

During the ceremony

For the safety and comfort of all guests, please:

• Remain in your seat during the ceremony.
• Keep all aisles, walkways and accessible pathways clear.
• Do not stand in aisles or other areas that may block the view or movement of other guests.
• If you need to leave your seat, please do so quietly and return as soon as possible.
• Be mindful of guests seated around you and avoid behavior that may interfere with their ability to see or hear the ceremony.
• Follow directions from Frontwave Arena staff and commencement personnel.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, comfortable, and memorable commencement experience for all graduates and guests.

Accessibility

Cal State San Marcos is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible commencement experience for graduates and guests. Individuals who require an accommodation to participate in or attend commencement can contact the Commencement Office via email at commencement@csusm.edu. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids such as and alternative format materials notify the Commencement Office at least 14 working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodation.

Accessibility parking

Accessible parking is available at Frontwave Arena for graduates and guests with a valid state-issued accessible parking placard or license plate.

Guests using accessible parking should display their valid accessible parking placard on their dash so that parking attendants may direct them to the Accessible Parking Lot (Lot A). Accessible parking is subject to availability and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that some parking areas may include uneven surfaces. Guests with mobility needs are encouraged to review the available accessible routes and plan accordingly.

Mobility access routes

There are two accessible routes into Frontwave Arena.

 

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Where is the accessible seating area located?

Accessible seating is located on the top level of the arena.

Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One companion may sit with each guest using an accessible seat. Additional members of the party may sit in nearby seating, subject to availability.

View the Frontwave Arena Interactive Seating Chart.

 

ASL interpretation

ASL interpretation will be provided during the entirety of the commencement ceremony, except for when graduate names are announced. The ASL interpreter will be positioned on stage left (when facing the stage) and will also be displayed on the video screens.

Language interpretation

Language interpretation services will not be available at the in-person commencement ceremonies, with the exception of ASL interpretation. The CSUSM commencement livestream will offer the option for viewers to pick Spanish captions.

 [PETS SECTION]

For additional information about accessibility at Frontwave Arena, including accessible entrances and services, please visit:

Frontwave Arena Accessibility Information

Commencement Day Vendors & Services

Make the most of your commencement experience by visiting our on-site vendors for graduation flowers, apparel, gifts and refreshments. Vendor locations and hours may vary on commencement day.

The Commencement Group

Celebrate your graduate with flowers, leis and commencement class merchandise from The Commencement Group.

Pre-ordering is encouraged! Pre-ordering your items before commencement allows you to pick up your order quickly at the event. Simply visit the The Commencement Group website to place your order in advance, then pick it up at any of The Commencement Group tables located in the Safari Park Plaza at Frontwave Arena.
The Commencement Group – CSUSM [button]

Available merchandise includes:

• Flower bouquets
• Graduation leis
• CSUSM branded kukui nut necklaces
• Class shirts
• Class sweaters

University Store

The CSUSM University Store will have a tent at the Safari Park Plaza and will offer a selection of graduate gifts, CSUSM alumni gear and other Cougar merchandise for graduates and guests.

Food and beverages

Frontwave Arena offers a variety of food and beverage options throughout the venue. [need to note which vendors will be open along with their location] Availability and operating hours are determined by Frontwave Arena and may vary by ceremony.

For the most current information about Frontwave Arena's food and beverage options, please visit:

Frontwave Arena Food & Beverage Information

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Frontwave Arena.

Cash-free vendors

Frontwave Arena is a cash-free venue. This includes the commencement vendors located at the Safari Park Plaza. Cash is not accepted.

All purchases from Frontwave Arena vendors and concessions, along with commencement vendors at Safari Park Plaza, must be made using a debit or credit card. Guests may also use contactless payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Please plan accordingly and have your preferred payment method ready when making purchases.

For additional information about visiting Frontwave Arena, including venue policies and what to expect when you arrive, visit:

Frontwave Arena – Know Before You Go

Commencement photography

Professional photographers from DiFranco Photography will be on site during commencement to capture your graduate's special moments, including:

• Stage photographs as graduates cross the stage and are recognized by the university president.
• Photographs of graduates with their diploma covers off stage.

Graduates will receive an email from DiFranco Photography after commencement with information about how to view their photo proofs and purchase photographs.

Please note: DiFranco Photography will not have a sales or information table in Safari Park Plaza on commencement day. All photo proofs and purchase information will be provided electronically after the ceremony. To help ensure graduates receive their photography information, graduates should monitor the email address associated with their commencement registration after the ceremony.

Where to Stay and Nearby Dining

Fall commencement is not held on the CSUSM campus. Fall 2026 commencement will be hosted at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, located at 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056.

If you are traveling to Oceanside for commencement, consider staying at a nearby hotel or making a weekend of your visit. The hotels and restaurants below are provided as a convenience to graduates and their guests and are not affiliated with or endorsed by California State University San Marcos.

Directions to Frontwave [Link to Commencement Directions & Parking section]

Nearby Hotels

The following hotels are located near Frontwave Arena and offer a range of options for families and guests traveling to Oceanside.

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Oceanside

3603 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056
Visit Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Oceanside

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside

3501 Seagate Way, Oceanside, CA 92056
Visit Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oceanside Beach

110 North Myers Street, Oceanside, CA 92054
Visit SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oceanside Beach

Nearby dining

After celebrating your graduate at commencement, enjoy a meal together at one of the many restaurants throughout Oceanside. The restaurants below offer a variety of cuisines and settings, from casual family-friendly dining to special-occasion meals.

Mangia e Bevi

3613 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Suite 100, Oceanside, CA 92056
Cuisine: Italian
Visit Mangia e Bevi

333 Pacific

333 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, CA 92054
Cuisine: Seafood & Steak
Visit 333 Pacific 

Blade 1936

401 Seagaze Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054
Cuisine: Italian
Visit Blade 1936

Amalfi Cucina Italiana - Oceanside

221 N. Cleveland St., Oceanside, CA 92054
Cuisine: Italian
Visit Amalfi Cucina Italiana 

Local Tap House

308 S. Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Cuisine: American / Gastropub
Visit Local Tap House & Kitchen 

Oceanside Broiler

1325 N. Harbor Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054
Cuisine: Seafood & Steak
Visit Oceanside Broiler

Enjoy your time in Oceanside

Learn more about Oceanside's beaches, harbor, pier, restaurants and other local attractions while you are here.

Visit Oceanside