Inaugural Balls Promise Few Tickets, Long Lines
The only thing missing is an invitation for many would-be partygoers.
Jan. 7, 2009 -- With the right connection and a bit of cash, you can party with the new president. The inaugural balls are set, all 10 of them for the night of Jan. 20. But do you really want to fight for a ticket?
"It's very exciting to be there," says Inaugural Committee spokeswoman Linda Douglass, "but there are many, many, many people there. It's not a scene out of Cinderella."
While attending a ball will give you a glimpse of history, historically these are not necessarily great parties. There's little or no food or drink, they are crowded, and if you check a coat get ready for a long line to get out of the building. The Obama team says as far as the food at the balls, they plan "light fare and snacks."
The Presidential Inaugural Committee rounded out the official list Tuesday in announcing a Youth Ball and five regional balls in Washington, D.C. The president and vice president will make an appearance at each event.
The "A" ticket will be the home states' balls for each man. For the president-elect, that will be a gathering of supporters from Illinois and Hawaii. Vice President-elect Joe Biden will host residents of Delaware and Pennsylvania. The problem: You have to be invited before you can pay the $150 ticket price.
The other options: The Youth Ball for those 18-35. But, once again, you need an invitation. Young people get a break on the ticket price, only $75.
The Commander in Chief's Ball requires an invitation and a uniform. You need to be a member of the military or a spouse.
The Neighborhood Ball is the only one that won't cost you, or the charge will be minimal. It's the first-ever attempt to let average Americans attend a ball. "Young people are more engaged in this country's future than ever before and we want to harness that excitement by inviting them to participate in this historic occasion," said Emmett S. Beliveau, the executive director of the Inaugural Committee. The committee has not released details on how it will distribute tickets.
