Walking on-campus you probably have seen a big beach ball being pushed by people wearing shirts saying, “Charter Day Ball,” and flyers with information about Charter Day Ball. So, you may be asking yourself, “What is Charter Day Ball?”
It is a celebration of Miami’s charter in 1809. The Ball first took place in 1976, only occurring every 2 to 3 years. After 1982 budget cuts, it barely made it through and lost its energy. However, in 2003, the event planners decided to strategically make the Ball a triennial event. After this change, the Ball lined up with Miami’s bicentennial in 2009.
Every year there is a new theme. This year’s theme is “Into the Ivy.” At the ball there will be dancing, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and beautiful decorations. It is also a great excuse to dress-up and re-live high school prom by wearing your old prom dress. The ball is for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the Oxford community. Even non-students can go!
Being the largest student run on-campus event, it is truly a unique event to Miami. Since the Ball only happens every 3 years, it will only occur once during your time at Miami (unless you are a freshman the year it happens).
Emily McAlister, the PR and Marketing Co-Chair for the Ball, says, “The pride and camaraderie each person in the room feels at a Charter Day Ball is special. It is a chance to celebrate each and every member of the Miami community and how we all come together. The ball honors Miami’s past and celebrates the opportunities in its future.”
Tickets are available at the HOME Office, online through the box office, online through the HUB, and online via our website.
Tickets are $30 a student until after family weekend, when they’ll go up to 4$0. They are $40 for non-students until after family weekend when they’ll go up to $50. If you buy in a group of 8 or more there is a $5 discount.