Notes on Arrival. CHROMA Atelier

Getting Here

Airports

Important

HOU (Hobby) and IAH (Bush Intercontinental) are two entirely separate airports on opposite sides of the city. Do not confuse them when booking or navigating. They are not interchangeable.

HOU

William P. Hobby Airport

Recommended | Closer

Distance to venue: Approximately 15-20 minutes without traffic

Uber/Lyft to NRG: Approximately $20-35 one way

Primary hub: Southwest Airlines

The closer airport to both the venue and the Montrose / Museum District area. If Southwest services your route, this is the more convenient option.

Southwest Airlines Hub

IAH

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

International | Farther

Distance to venue: Approximately 35-50 minutes without traffic

Uber/Lyft to NRG: Approximately $40-100 one way depending on time of day and demand

Primary carriers: United, Spirit, Delta, and most international flights

Houston's main international hub. Farther from the venue. factor in significant additional travel time, especially during peak hours.

United · Spirit · Delta · International Carriers

Flying in the same day? Most morning flights land within the 8:00 AM hour. The ceremony begins at 9:00 AM. Factoring in deplaning, baggage, ground transport, and Houston traffic, a same-day arrival is a very tight window. If flying in the morning of, plan for Hobby (HOU) and confirm your flight lands no later than 7:30 AM.

On the Ground

Getting Around

Primary

Uber & Lyft

The most reliable way to move around Houston. Both services are widely available across all areas covered in this guide. Recommended for all trips to and from NRG Arena, hotels, and events.

Option

Personal Vehicle

Driving guests arriving from Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio. Houston is well-connected via I-45, I-10, and US-59. Note that NRG parking is approximately $27 + tax per vehicle. See parking section below.

Note

Surge Pricing

Expect elevated Uber and Lyft pricing from IAH (Bush) at all times. IAH is further and demand is higher. From HOU, pricing is more stable. Book in advance where possible.

METRORail Red Line

An Alternative for Ceremony Morning

$1.25

One Way

Downtown

›

Midtown

›

Museum District

›

Med Center

›

NRG / Stadium Park

The METRORail Red Line runs directly from downtown Houston to the Stadium Park / Astrodome station adjacent to NRG Arena. For guests staying downtown or in Midtown, this is a cost-effective and traffic-free alternative on ceremony morning. Trains run every 6 minutes on weekdays and every 12 minutes on weekends. Approximate travel time from downtown: 12 minutes.

At the Venue

NRG Arena Parking

$27

+ tax per vehicle . Blue Lot

Students, faculty, and guests should park in the Blue Lot, located between Kirby Drive and McNee Road. This is the designated lot for the graduation ceremony. The Blue Lot is marked on the parking map.

Gate 9. Recommended

Westridge and Kirby. Closest entrance to the Blue Lot

Gate 3

Holly Hall and Fannin

Gate 10

McNee and Kirby

Graduation morning is busy. Arrive early to account for parking, walking to the arena entrance, and finding your seat. The ceremony begins promptly at 9:00 AM.

The Main Event

Ceremony Details

9 : 00

Ceremony Begins | Sharp

NRG Arena 1 NRG Parkway, Houston, TX 77054

Duration 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

The ceremony runs two hours. Plan to be seated before 9:00 AM. Doors open prior to the start, arrive early, especially if navigating parking or transit.

A note on timing.

Please read this

This ceremony starts at 9:00 AM. There is no grace period. There is no African time. The doors open before 9 — use that window.

If staying downtown or Uptown Add 20-30 minutes to your estimated drive time. Houston morning traffic on a graduation weekend is real. Departure from your hotel no later than 7:45 AM is strongly advised.

Parking takes time. Finding the Blue Lot, paying, and walking to the arena entrance all add minutes. Do not underestimate this.

How to Dress

CHROMA

One color.
Head to toe.
Make it yours.

Your color, your choice. There are no prescribed hues. only the commitment to one. The bolder the better. The more intentional, the better. This is a celebration of color, culture, and becoming. Dress accordingly.

View the SS26 Mood Board →

Outfit inspiration available on Partiful

One Color Wear a single color from head to toe. This includes shoes, accessories, and outerwear. Monochrome is the directive. commit to it fully.

ii.

Bold Over Muted This is not the occasion for neutrals. Reach for the version of your color that commands attention. Vibrancy is the standard.

iii.

Traditional Attire Welcome Traditional dress of all cultures is welcome and celebrated. The single-color rule applies. let the attire speak in one voice.

iv.

On the Gele Wear it. And let it touch the ceiling.

May in Houston It will be warm and humid. Factor breathability into your outfit choices. Lighter fabrics in your chosen color are advised.

Prepare Accordingly

May in Houston

Average High

88°F

31°C . Hot

Average Low

68°F

20°C . Warm evenings

Humidity

High

Feels hotter than it reads

Rain Likelihood

Moderate

Afternoon showers possible

What to Pack

Light, breathable fabrics are essential. Linen, chiffon, and moisture-wicking materials will serve you well. Houston in May is not the occasion for heavy layers. A light wrap for indoor air conditioning is useful.

Hair & Humidity

Houston humidity is significant and immediate upon stepping outside. Plan your hair accordingly. What holds indoors may behave differently in the May air. Consider this a formal heads up.

Footwear

Afternoon showers can arrive quickly. If wearing open-toed shoes or heels, consider the possibility of wet pavement. especially navigating parking lots at NRG.

Morning of Ceremony

Early mornings in May are warm but slightly more manageable. The walk from parking to NRG Arena in full regalia is brief but happens in the Houston air. Arrive ready.

Following the Ceremony

The Celebration Continues

A reception will follow the graduation ceremony. Details including time and location are being finalized and will be shared via Partiful. Please keep the afternoon of May 13 available. The reception is expected to conclude in the early evening, allowing guests traveling out to depart comfortably that night.

Full details to follow . Check your Partiful invitation for updates