Aquarium to host formal
Rice Program Council hopes a unique venue and cheaper tickets will attract students to Esperanza, Rice’s fall formal, Nov. 18. The post-Homecoming formal, which is traditionally girl-ask-guy, will be held in the Downtown Aquarium’s Nautilus Ballroom from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
In the past, Esperanza generated revenue, which was used by the RPC formals committee budget to fund Rondelet, which usually does not generate revenue. Since 2004, the committee has had to use money from its budget for Esperanza even after ticket sales — for a net expenditure of $4,000 in 2005 — and attendance has declined from 1,000 attendees in 2001 to 400 last year.
RPC Formals Co-Chair Stephanie Swingle said she thinks the Aquarium’s downtown location and its special appeal will increase attendance. She said the $12,000 cost of the venue and catering is worthwhile.
“It’s a really big investment, but we’re hoping that it will be worth it,” Swingle, a Brown College senior, said. “We want to revitalize the event.”
The dance will include a disc jockey, and Landry’s Restaurants will provide food including sushi, Swingle said. The ballroom has a wraparound balcony with a view of the city skyline and an aquarium in the foyer. Students can also separately purchase tickets to the rides and aquatic exhibits that close at 11 p.m.
Sid Richardson College senior Jeannie Diep said she will attend Esperanza because she is excited about the Aquarium. Recently Esperanza has been held at varied locations including Westin Galleria in 2004, with 700 students in attendance, Minute Maid Park in 2002, with 900 students in attendance and the NASA Space Center in 2001, with 1,000 students in attendance.
“I think it’s a great venue, and I’m looking forward to going,” Diep said. “I think it’s the right mix between a formal event and something that can please a lot of people.”
Swingle said RPC reduced ticket prices by $5 this year to encourage attendance. RPC college representatives will sell tickets during lunch starting Nov. 6. The tickets will cost $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door.
Baker College senior D’Yon Peoples said the reduction in ticket price and the location influenced her to consider attending Esperanza.
“That’s great that RPC made the event more affordable, and I’m really excited about the Aquarium,” Peoples said. “I haven’t been to Esperanza since freshman year, but I am definitely planning to go this time.”
After problems with outside bus services for formals last year, Rice’s transportation department will provide shuttles that will leave from the Sallyport and transport students to and from the aquarium.
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