University of Alabama graduates getting free tickets to President Trump's speech
Spring graduates at the University of Alabama will get to hear President Donald Trump speak on May 1 at a free event.
The speech is a ticketed event at Coleman Coliseum available to all 2025 graduates separate from their college-specific ceremonies, which take place over the weekend.
On Wednesday, the university announced that tickets will be free for spring graduates and are non-transferable. Only people who are given tickets will be able to go to the closed event.
Ticket information will be sent directly to graduates. Anyone who goes will have to comply with the university's and pass through metal detectors.
Graduates do not have to attend the speech in order to graduate, the university stated. It is not a replacement for the individual ceremonies by students' individual colleges.
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"We look forward to celebrating our graduates throughout commencement weekend as we confer degrees to thousands of hardworking students who will go on to make a positive impact in the workforce and in communities across Alabama, our nation and the world," the university said in a statement when the speech was announced.
This is the first time a sitting president will deliver a keynote address at the University of Alabama, according to Sen. Katie Britt.
While some students are excited to have a president speak at their graduation, others plan to protest.