Plenty of preparations under way at Michigan Stadium for President Barack Obama visit

But with undergrads limited to eight tickets, Ralston isn't sure whether that will work. If it doesn't, she'll be in line Friday morning to see if she can score one of a limited number of tickets available to the public. Tickets for non-graduating members of the university will be available Thursday and tickets for the general public will be available on Friday.

President Barack Obama will speak at U-M next weekend.

Plenty of others also are trying to figure a way to get into the stadium. University officials expect large crowds - as many as 80,000 people - to attend the event, which starts at 11 a.m.

Gradutes can pick up tickets starting Monday morning at 10 a.m. Even the graduates themselves need to have a ticket, a change from previous years.

Preparing for sizable crowds at Michigan Stadium certainly isn't an unique venture for U-M security officials. But when the mission goes from 110,000 fans on a football Saturday to preparing to host a sitting president, the list of details that need to be carried out changes considerably.

Many of the preparations are similar to a football Saturday. But unlike football or previous commencement ceremonies, campus police spokeswoman Diane Brown said next weekend's event carries its own set of issues.

"Just because of who the guest speaker is, it becomes a lot different animal," Brown said Friday.

Like last year, construction on the $226 million renovation will halt, and the university will again assume ownership of the stadium. Brown declined to say when that would happen, citing security concerns as the venue prepares for Obama's visit.

The university has a long history of hosting visiting dignitaries, celebrities and heads of state - such as the high-profile visit by the Dalai Lama at Crisler Arena two years ago. In each instance, officials sync their security details to those surrounding the guest of honor.

In this case, Brown will work with U.S. Secret Service officials responsible for securing Obama's safety. Brown said two K-9 explosive-sniffing dogs are used on football Saturdays to help sustain constant security at Michigan Stadium, given the number of fans who pass through the gates.

The stadium was opened up to 35,000 fans last weekend for Michigan's annual spring game. Inside, the only visible sign of unfinished work was the press box, which is being rebuilt after the previous box was removed to make way for luxury box seating.

Without divulging specific timelines, Brown said the stadium will undergo security sweeps. University officials have been working with the White House and Secret Service to prepare the stadium for Obama's visit, but Brown said operations will be run by the university.

Changes also will be made to parking allowances around the stadium, the city of Ann Arbor said Friday.

Residents living in the vicinity of the stadium will be allowed to have game-day parking privileges that day, meaning vehicular parking will be permitted in any legally marked on-street space and private lawns and driveways, a city press release said.

"However, it is important to note that there may be pedestrian or parking restrictions imposed near the stadium that are a result of necessary security precautions," the release said.

As many as 80,000 people will be at Michigan Stadium for commencement.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Stadium gates will open at 6:30 a.m., and commencement visitors must be inside the stadium by 9 a.m. Graduates must check in at Elbel Field between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. to receive security instructions.

"It is very important that we have everyone's cooperation with this early call," said Michelle Pate, director of university and development events. "We want this historic event to be an enjoyable experience by all, so we are asking everyone for their patience and assistance to make the security process as seamless as possible. That can only happen if people plan ahead and arrive early."

Security equipment will be similar to that used at airports, and university officials warn commencement guests should expect lengthy lines.

The stadium's no-bag policy, which has been used at times during football season, will be enforced. Water bottles, lighters and matches will also not be permitted, while medications or items that would normally be found in a diaper bag must be placed in clear plastic bags.

AnnArbor.com's David Jesse contributed to this story. 

Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.