Notre Dame plans stadium commencement despite construction

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – The University of Notre Dame plans to hold its commencement ceremony at its stadium despite ongoing construction work surrounding it.

The Rev. John Jenkins, the university’s president, announced the decision during an undergraduate town hall meeting Monday night. The university previously announced the commencement would be held at Purcell Pavilion because of a $400 million plan to add buildings surrounding Notre Dame Stadium and add several thousand premium seats.

Some graduating students had expressed concern about moving the May 17 ceremony inside because it would have limited the number of guests who could attend.

Jenkins says work on the project is further along than expected, making it possible to temporarily halt construction for commencement weekend. Commencement has been held at the stadium for the past five years.