More than 13,000 seats will be available for this year’s commencement address in the Louisiana Superdome, but with Drew Brees addressing the 875 graduating students, students have expressed concerns about seating limitations in addition to excitement.

In previous years, Loyola has averaged 7,000 guests at the ceremony without seat limitations.

This year, graduates will not have a limit on invitations for the graduation on May 8 despite some concerns that the university might require tickets due to Brees’s popularity.

“It’s a concern because I have 19 people coming. If we have to buy tickets it is unfair to the 19 family members. They all want to come see me graduate,” said Miranda Miller, music industry and vocal performance senior.

Staff Writer “It is just weird because we are going to have random people coming to our graduation just to see Drew Brees and to think they have no connection at all.”

According to Meredith Hartley, director of Public Affairs and External Relations, “Students do not need to have a ticket to get in, nor do friends or family members.”

Last September, Edward Kvet, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, sent out a call for a commencement speaker and honorary degree recipients.

The board of trustees and the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., then reviewed the nominations. Wildes made the final decision about the commencement speaker. The board of trustees votes on the honorary degree recipients.

Wildes chose Brees as the commencement speaker.

 “Like our graduating students, Mr. Brees made a decision to come to New Orleans four years ago,” Wildes said in a press release announcing the speaker.

“Through his leadership of the Saints and his work in rebuilding the city, he has been a leader in the renewal of New Orleans just as our students have been leaders in this renewal though their work and volunteer service.”

Students shared excitement and curiosity as to what Brees will talk about in his address.

“He got here the same time we did so he will probably talk about rebuilding New Orleans and how winning the Super Bowl is a symbol of how far we have come not what happened,” said David Buttrey, music industry senior.

“He came in with the idea of rebuilding the city just like our class because we were the first group after.”

Miller shared this sentiment.

“I am excited. Everyone is excited. I am interested to hear what he has to say,” Miller said. “He has accomplished things. It is not like he is just going to say, ‘Yay, we won the Super Bowl.'”

Blake Gable, finance and marketing senior, said he thinks Brees is a good choice.

“Who else graduating at any other school could have a better speaker for where they go to school?” he said. “I think it is just perfect.”

 Abbey Brandon can be reached at [email protected]