I wonder about those seats, if security didn't allow them to be used. Tickets to a loved ones graduation are very restricted at a place like the USNA. How many more friends and family could have attended if those seats had been used? Does any actually know the reason?
Judging from the fact that all the people remaining in those seats seem to primarily be wearing white, I’m gonna guess that’s where the graduates were sitting during most of the ceremony, but they’re empty cause the people sitting in those chairs have received their diplomas and exited down the stairs instead of returning to their seats. It’s normal for graduation ceremonies.
Also, in graduations that occur in sports stadiums, it’s not uncommon for the people who are in charge of arranging the event not to seat people past a certain point (usually, not behind the stage, and not past a certain point just beyond the bleachers facing the stage). It’s similar with NCAA basketball games played in football stadiums where the court is at one end and bleachers are set up on the field next to it, there are probably photos online.
“Look in the empty section! All the empty seats. He is really not as popular as the media says he is.”
The area behind the stage (the south end-zone) is never used for seating at the USNA graduation - today was no different.
We were there - the stadium was pretty packed. However, it should be noted that when Jack McCain’s name was called, he got a HUGE ovation, much louder than any cheers/applause given to Obama.
The meaning was obvious - this was directed at Sen. John McCain, who was sitting in the front row, watching his son graduate.