Parkland High School's Class of 2015 will have its graduation at the PPL Center, the new state-of-the-art facility in downtown Allentown.

The location is a change from Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, where commencement has taken place for many years.

Parkland is the first district to sign on for the PPL Center. Rental cost is $18,000, which includes sound.

Stabler would cost less at $14,500, but the district would have to pay an additional amount for the sound service.

At the new arena, parents and guests will sit on padded seats as they view the seniors on a giant screen as they walk forward to receive their diplomas.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak reports Allentown Parking Authority lots will be available for $3 per vehicle.

"It's 20 miles to Stabler," Sniscak said. "You would spend that on gas. It's only six miles to PPL Center."

Seating capacity at PPL Center is 8,000. The district anticipates 6,000 people for the June 9 ceremony.

The graduating class includes about 800 students.