Tickets for Holy Cross College’s spring formal are currently on sale ahead of the event, which will take place on March 27 at The Armory. Titled “A Night in Disguise,” the event will have a masquerade theme and will include dinner, dancing, a photo booth and a competition for best mask.
Ticket sales began Feb. 23 and will continue through March 6 in Ave Brew, Holy Cross’ on-campus cafe and student center. Tickets cost $25 with cash or $30 through Venmo. Transportation to The Armory will be provided by the College, and it is required that attendees take this transportation.
Planning for the formal began with conversations last semester but transitioned into full preparation in January, according to Tommy Lindgren, junior and Student Government Association’s signature event co-chair.
“We started looking for potential locations, and we considered multiple venues in Mishawaka and South Bend,” Lindgren said. One early possibility — the dinosaur museum in South Bend — was ultimately ruled out. “The walls were neon green, and that didn’t really fit the vibe we were looking for,” he said.
Deciding cost proved to be one of the biggest challenges in organizing the event. Planners worked to balance overall expenses while also trying to keep tickets affordable. “There’s a lot that goes into it, especially with how much the venue costs. We didn’t want to charge students something unreasonable,” Lindgren said.
Lowering the ticket price was also a priority this year in hopes of increasing student attendance.
“In previous years, tickets have gone for about $40. That was one of the things that we wanted to change this year,” Lindgren said. “Last year, the casino theme drove in some people because they had casino tables. But, obviously, that would also contribute to the price rising.”
The casino tables not only increased costs but also reduced dance floor space, another concern raised by students. This year, organizers opted to remove that element to allow more room for dancing.
The masquerade theme was selected in part due to its potential to be interactive. In addition to the formal, SGA is hosting a mask-making event the week prior. During the formal, prizes will also be awarded for best mask: $50 for first place, $25 for second and $20 for third, as well as for best couple’s mask.
Adjustments to the dinner were also made based on feedback from last year’s formal, which fell on a Friday during Lent. Some students expressed frustration with limited non-meat options. “This year, we had to change the menu based on that input. They’re going to serve salmon for those who want to eat fish, but there’s also a vegetarian lasagna option for those who don’t want to eat fish,” Lindgren said.
Sophia Colbert, a freshman at Holy Cross College, described the theme as refreshing. “I like it,” she said. “Masquerade is a fun theme. It’s not too overdone. You hear a lot more about blackjack-type themes, so I feel like this is something different.”
Alisha Fluker, another freshman at Holy Cross College, agreed, saying that the theme adds a unique element. “It’s not just a formal. You get to do something creative and come up with the best mask,” she said. “It makes students want to go and participate.”
Students expressed mixed opinions about the ticket sales process.
“I know many people are frustrated that you can’t use other payment apps,” Colbert said, referencing the fact that Venmo is the sole electronic payment method available. “Not everyone uses Venmo. I know people who’d rather use Zelle or PayPal, and I feel like nobody has cash anymore.”
She suggested offering additional payment methods such as a tap option for credit cards or online ticket purchasing. “I know some people come to buy tickets in Ave Brew, and there’s nobody at the desk to buy tickets from, so an online option could be useful,” she said.
Fluker said she was comfortable with the current system but suggested stronger promotion. “Maybe promoting it better would be helpful, like with better posters that people notice.”
Despite minor concerns, organizers remain optimistic about attendance.
“Come, have a good time. It’s cheaper than ever before,” Lindgren said as a final message to students doubting or with concerns about the formal.
