Graduation: it’s that time of the year again. Hundreds of Arvada West seniors prepare for the most important moment of their academic careers. Friends and families travel from afar in anticipation of watching their graduate(s) receive their diploma. 

This year, things look a little different as the previous location for graduation, the First Bank Center in Broomfield, has closed its doors. This year, it is taking place at the University of Colorado Event Center in Boulder.

The city-owned 1stBank center in Broomfield, a 6,500-seat venue, was scheduled for demolition by the end of last year. Opening its doors in 2006, many high-profile bands performed here. Such as Selena Gomez, and Soundgarden. The large capacity venue was ideal for hosting graduation ceremonies and did so right up til the end. Unfortunately, the city of Broomfield decided the cost of maintenance on the venue was too great, and would be a financial loss. Not only did this decision impact concertgoers, but it also caused the cancellation of this year’s Arvada West graduation ceremony. 

Micah Porter, Principal of Arvada West High School, comments on this change. “We already had a contract signed with them to have graduation there, but they notified us at the end of the year that they were closing… so we had to find a new place.” 

This year’s ceremony will be held at the CU Boulder event center, which has previously hosted Arvada West high school graduates. This venue is also indoors and is nestled in the beautiful city of Boulder, Colorado. Capacity at this venue can be up to 11,064 according to the event center. This allows for plenty of space for all of Arvada West graduates, as well as their friends and families to celebrate this special time.