The annual President’s Ball offers students the opportunity to get off campus for a night of fun. Though this year’s dance will not be exactly what students remember from the past, the Campus Activities Board is confident that they will enjoy the change.

One major change to this year’s President’s Ball is that it will take place in the Landmark Center in St. Paul. “It is a really cool building. It looks out of place when you drive downtown—it looks like a castle,” Chris Duhaime said. “I think what makes this year different is the atmosphere. The building change will add a whole new feeling to what President’s Ball is about.”

This is a contrast to what the dance has felt like in the past. “Last year, it was a little bit more cozy environment—it was one level with people everywhere in one big ballroom,” Duhaime said. “This year, we’re in a building and you can see through the different levels. It has a majestic feel.”

The new location is not the only change that President’s Ball will experience this year. The band that CAB had previously used—The Rockin’ Hollywoods is exchanged for a new band. “When they go on break, we’ll play more ‘Dive’ music,” Duhaime said. “You get the best of both worlds.”

“I had so much fun with my friends last year that it made me want to go again this year—definitely a Gustavus tradition I want to partake in!” Rebecca Thompson said.

Before the dancing gets started, there will be a social hour followed by a three-course catered dinner. The dinner has three options—chicken, beef or vegetarian. The dinner will be unique in that it will be split up between the three levels of the landmark center. “Dinner will be a three level experience, which we’ve never done before” Duhaime said.

The appeal of the President’s Ball is really in the way that it takes the students out of their everyday experiences. “I think what’s nice about P-ball is its a time to spend with friends you get dressed up, have a catered meal that’s served to you. Its on a level that’s not your typical everyday thing,” Duhaime said. “The idea of getting off campus also draws people in.”

“You can go with a group of friends and have tons of fun. The food is delicious, there’s a photobooth to take silly photos and you can get away from campus for a while,” Ashley Perish said,

Students interested in attending the President’s Ball can buy tickets at the SAO desk before March 16 at 2:00 p.m. The cost of tickets is 30 dollars and the optional bus costs 5 dollars. Scholarships are available to students who cannot afford to attend. Email CAB@gac.edu for more information.