NKU to hold in-person commencement ceremonies at BB&T Arena in May Graduates allowed limited number of guest tickets Northern Kentucky University will hold in-person commencement ceremonies for May 2021 graduates and a separate ceremony honoring 2020 graduates, the university's president announced Monday. and last updated 2021-03-25 17:39:22-04 Update 3/25: NKU will move previously announced outdoor commencement ceremonies inside BB&T Arena. By moving to a larger venue, NKU officials said they will now be able to accommodate limited guest tickets for all ceremonies: Graduates for ceremonies on May 8-9 will each be able to request two guest tickets for their ceremony.