Same Prom, Different Venue

Dancing the night away in a new dress or tux will not be the same as years past. The prom committee voted on two modifications to the extravagant event this year that might alter students’ experiences.

The biggest change is the venue. Prom is moving from the Von Braun Center to the Space and Rocket Center. The main reasons being that it is closer to the school and students will not have to pay for parking.

“I think the change [in venue] will be a better option when it comes to driving and parking. There is space for everything which is great but I’m interested in seeing how we’re going to make it flow smoothly through the room. I also believe that the Space and Rocket Center will have an ambiance that we can’t achieve at the Von Braun Center,” prom committee member Megan McGraw said.

Prom sponsor Amber Staggs says the different setup will allow the students less walking distance because they can park right outside the [center]. She thinks that the venue being much more narrow and longer than the Von Braun Center might change the way people interact with the space as well.

“We might have a little more separation in terms of where the dance floor is and where the food is. Some of my students are excited because they won’t have to walk as far in heels as well. I don’t think that it is going to change the event itself as much. The dance will stay the same and the food choices will be similar,” Staggs said.

According to prom committee member Chloe Tittle, there will not be as many decorations due to the location change. She thinks that though there are limitations, it will be a better venue for students.

“We can’t hang anything on the ceiling. Decorations like disco balls can’t be hung but despite that we have a more open area and more windows. I think it’ll be prettier,” Tittle said.

Decorations, food and other materials needed to create prom have become much more costly. The increases in costs means another change: more expensive prom tickets for students.

“Prom tickets have not gone up in 15-20 years. We are getting to the point where it is harder and harder for us to put on a good prom without the increase in [ticket price]. It won’t be a substantial increase. We have not for sure decided what the amount will be yet but it will be just enough to cover our costs,” Staggs said. “If we have any money leftover, it will help pay for activities like a senior picnic, flowers at graduation and things class budgets can’t quite pay for.”

McGraw says that although there are more expenses, the end product is well worth it. She is excited for the turnout of the event and the changes.

“I think it will be exciting to try a new venue and overall it will look cooler,” McGraw said. “I’m excited to help figure out this new setup and from what I’ve seen from other schools and the space I think [almost] everyone is going to be happy with this school year’s prom.”