In case of extremely inclement weather — like thunder and lighting — the Verizon Center will be the University’s back-up site for Commencement, the Univeristy announced Thursday.

The Verizon Center’s availability was up in the air up until this morning due to the Washington Capitals’ spot in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

Last night, however, the Capitals lost the 7th game in the series and were booted from the playoffs, making the Verizon Center available to the University for an alternate Commencement site.

The Weather Channel predicts showers for Sunday’s ceremony.