The University of Oregon will host His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, at Matthew Knight Arena on Friday, May 10. More than 11,000 spectators are expected to be in attendance to hear the Dalai Lama’s presentation, “The Path to Peace and Happiness in the Global Society.”
Given the number of activities scheduled on campus that day and the security considerations for the visit, there are important details that attendees need to be aware of before the event.
When and where will the lecture take place?
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, will speak at the University of Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10. The Matthew Knight Arena is located at 1776 East 13th Ave., on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene.
What are the transportation options? Is parking available?
Free bus shuttles will be available to all ticketed attendees. Shuttles will depart from the UO’s Autzen Stadium parking lot located on Leo Harris Parkway. The shuttle service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Participants are strongly encouraged to make use of the free shuttle system.
Valet bicycle parking is available at the Matthew Knight Arena for a cost of $1 per bike.
Attendees can also take the Lane Transit District EmX bus to the Agate Street Station.
There will be no public parking available on or around the University of Oregon for this event, except for people with disabilities. Automobiles displaying valid disabled parking permits will be able to park on Columbia Street adjacent to the UO’s Ford Alumni Center.
When will doors open?
Doors at the Matthew Knight Arena will open at noon. His Holiness will begin his address at 1:30 p.m. Attendees are advised to arrive early in order to accommodate security screenings.
What kind of security screening can guests expect?
Attendees will pass through airport-style metal detectors as they enter the arena and will be subject to bag checks.
What items are prohibited inside the arena?
- Bags, backpacks, or purses larger than 9” x 11” x 4”
- Knives, blades or sharp objects
- Laser pointers, pocket or hand tools (such as Leatherman tools)
- Bottles, cans, coolers, thermal or glass containers including metal and plastic water bottles
- Food or beverages
- Large detachable camera lenses
- Tripods, sticks, poles or umbrellas
- Posters, signs or placards
- Computers, laptops or tablets
- Strollers
- Aerosol sprays, mace or pepper spray
- Ammunition (either real or simulated), firearms or weapons of any kind
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
- Packages, large bags or suitcases
I’d like to attend this event. Are seats still available?
Tickets for this event are sold out. No one will be admitted inside the arena without a ticket.
I have a UO student ticket – do I need my UO ID card?
Yes, UO students who have tickets for the event will need to bring their student ID to be scanned for entry into the venue.
What other options do people have to hear the address if they don’t have a ticket?
The University of Oregon will webcast the event live from the UO website at www.uoregon.edu.
I would like to request His Holiness’ signature or dedicated prayers for a specific person or to offer a donation or gift to His Holiness. Can the UO help with this?
The University of Oregon cannot accept offerings or requests for His Holiness.
Will food be available at the Matthew Knight Arena?
Concession stands will be open prior to the start of the event. Food and beverage sales will conclude at 1:30 p.m.
Can I bring my camera and take photos?
Small point-and-shoot cameras are permitted. However, large detachable camera lenses are prohibited and flash photography is discouraged. Due to security concerns, attendees cannot leave their seats to shoot photos during the event.
How can I share my impressions of the event?
A group of University of Oregon students will be conducting an online survey following the lecture by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. A link to the survey will be found at the University of Oregon home page, www.uoregon.edu.
- from the UO Office of Strategic Communications