Upstage Companies was honored to play a pivotal role in Arizona State University’s most monumental graduation ceremony to date, held at the iconic Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, AZ. With a record-breaking number of graduates in attendance, this year’s commencement was a celebration of academic achievement, logistical precision, and technical excellence—something we were proud to support.
Truss Structures Towering Above Tradition
To match the scale and grandeur of ASU’s largest graduating class ever, Upstage Companies engineered and installed 50-foot-tall truss structures that served as the backbone of the event’s technical production. These towering frameworks supported an impressive array of audio systems, a massive LED video wall, and—new for this year—a stunning display of pyro flame projectors that added electrifying energy to the celebration.
Protecting the Field and Beating the Heat
Executing a project of this magnitude inside a pristine football stadium came with unique challenges. Chief among them was the need to preserve the meticulously manicured turf of the field. Our team developed a precise layout and load distribution plan to ensure no damage occurred during installation or tear-down. Additionally, Arizona’s infamous springtime heat meant working smarter—we completed the load-in overnight to avoid the blistering daytime temperatures and ensure our crew remained safe and efficient.
Custom Stage and ADA Accessibility
At the heart of the celebration stood the custom graduation stage we installed, offering a grand and functional centerpiece for diploma presentations and speeches. Accessibility was also a top priority; Upstage Companies built custom ADA-compliant ramps to ensure all graduates, staff, and guests could participate comfortably and safely.
A True Team Effort
Events like these are only possible when everyone brings their A-game—and ASU’s production staff did just that. Working with such a professional, responsive, and capable team was not only refreshing but truly inspiring. Collaboration at this level elevates the entire experience, and we were grateful to be part of such a well-executed production.
Congratulations, Sun Devils!
From everyone at Upstage Companies, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 graduating class of Arizona State University. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter. Go Sun Devils!