OU's traditional Meadow Brook Ball enjoys jump in popularity

By Melissa Sochaki, student writer

The line of students waiting for Meadow Brook Ball tickets reached beyond the CSA to the Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

The Meadow Brook Ball is enjoying a jump in popularity this year, with tickets to the red carpet-themed affair selling out in a record-breaking two hours.

Students were camped out outside the Center for Student Activities office at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning to get their tickets to the traditional Oakland University dance. The box office opened at 9 a.m. and the available 350 available tickets were gone by 11 a.m. 

Wednesday's line was considerably longer than it had been last year, according to students waiting in line for tickets.

“The event has been a sell-out for quite a few years, but this year is the quickest ever,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the CSA and adviser to the Meadow Brook Ball Committee. “It’s unique because obviously no other school has Meadow Brook Hall, and this event creates an experience that is one-of-a-kind for students.”

The Meadow Brook Ball is the oldest tradition at Oakland, beginning in the 1970s. It is the only formal event at the university, and it is only open to current students. This year’s theme "A Red Carpet Affair," was selected by the committee of about 30 volunteers. 

“To create the right atmosphere, the Oakland University Jazz Band will be playing at the beginning of the ball,” said Amanda Kochanski of the committee. “We’re having a contest where students can submit a photo of themselves if they think they look like a certain celebrity for a chance at a prize. There will be two caricature artists and guests can look forward to a photo booth as well.”

Carrie Stermer, a junior who attended last year’s Masquerade Ball, said “I really like the idea of it being at the mansion. Being able to tour the rooms was really cool. It was unique and fun for a university event on campus. I recommend it to anyone who hasn’t gone.”

“The ball has always been a huge deal, even when I attended OU,” Miller said. “It wasn’t quite as formal though. If I remember correctly, my date wore jeans and a sports jacket.”

However, the formal attire is not supposed to create a homecoming or prom type feel, but rather set the tone for an evening of elegance.

“This is a college event, and it is so unique, I tell everyone they should attend before they graduate,” Miller said. 

The Meadow Brook Ball is set for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Meadow Brook Hall. For more information about the ball, contact the CSA office at (248) 370-2400 or csa@oakland.edu. For more information about The Hall, visit the website.