You couldn't get a ticket to the already sold out Virginia Inaugural ball?
Can't afford a hotel room at perhaps $800 a night?
Don't want to get involved in all that Washington area traffic anyway?
Virginia Young Democrats are offering an alternative -- a pre-inaugural ball in Richmond at the Science Museum of Virginia on Sunday, Jan. 18, two days before the Washington inauguration.
The Central Virginia True Blue Ball will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the museum.
Tickets will go on sale Tuesday online only at VAYD.org.
The ball is open to anyone, Christie Bieber, executive director of the Young Democrats, said.
The Democrats hope to sell from 500 to 1,200 tickets. General admission is $200. Those 35 and under pay $100, college Democrats pay $50 and high school Democrats, $25. Black tie is preferred.
"This is a good opportunity to do something without the hassle," Bieber said.
Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the nation's 44th president on Jan 20 in front of the Capitol in Washington. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware will be inaugurated as vice president.
A huge crowd of more than two million people is expected.
The True Blue Ball is one of three being held by Virginia Democrats to commemorate Obama's victory.
The Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia will hold a grassroots pre-inaugural ball at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington on Jan. 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Formal attire is required.
The Democratic Party of Virginia will hold a ball in Arlington at the Westin Arlington Gateway on Jan. 19, the day before the inauguration. President-elect Obama is not expected to attend, a spokesman said.
Anticipating large crowds, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff will meet in Washington Tuesday to discuss security and transportation issues related to the inauguration.
Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.
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