Wolfson College Ball 2022 (Viva Las Vegas)

For one night only during this year’s Ball—Viva Las Vegas—the College grounds will channel the spirit and individuality of the aesthetic of the city’s many hotels and landmarks and celebrate Las Vegas's culture as a nucleus of entertainment. Guests will have the chance to try delicious cocktails, varied cuisine, and revel in a medley of musical and non-musical entertainment — including trying their hand at the Blackjack table (not with real money, of course!). We hope that the Ball will be a splendid and rewarding end-of-term and end-of-academic-year celebration for college members, alumni, and their guests.

Important information for on-site residents:

On the day of the Ball access to the following areas will be restricted for all college members, including those attending the Ball, from the late afternoon in order to secure the site: the Buttery, Berlin Quad, the Dining Hall & Haldane Room, Harbour Quad, the South Car Park, and the Croquet Lawn. The Upper and East Common Rooms will be closed.

On the night of the Ball, certain areas of College will only be accessible to Ball guests who have a wristband to ensure the safety and security of the Event and of the College and its residents more widely There will be security staff at various points around the College to assist with this.  

All on-site accommodation will be accessible without entering the Ball perimeter except for B and C blocks.

If you live in C Block and are not attending the Ball, access will be via the small corridor that runs adjacent to the Buttery.  

If you live in B Block and are not attending the Ball, we strongly advise that you carry your University (Bod) Card on your person to allow easy access your room and to assist the security teams who will be making sure B Block is only accessible to its residents.

The cooperation of college members and residents on the day of the Ball would be greatly appreciated.

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Important information for ball guests:

Timings & Dress Code   
The Ball will run from 20:00-04:00. The dress code is Black Tie (but feel free to dress to impress with your Vegas best, too!).   

Entry & Security  
Entry to the Ball will be via the Porters’ Lodge. Guests are kindly asked to queue on the pavement westwards along Linton Road. If you have a ‘Queue Jump’ upgrade, please queue from the south towards the Lodge, adjacent to the Café. Signage and instruction for this will be provided on the night. If you live in college and want to join the queue after the entry has started, please leave via the automatic door next to the Café as there will be limited Lodge access during entry.  

The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry.  Any bags will be subject to searches by security.
  
Last entry will be at 21:30. It will not be possible to enter the Ball after this time.  

Please note that if anyone is found to have gained unauthorised access to the Ball or acts dangerously on site, they will be immediately removed from the Ball and the Committee will communicate with the perpetrator's college. 

Tickets & Wristbands   
You must have your own, personal ticket ready to be scanned (either printed or displayed on your phone) when you reach the front of the queue. You will be provided with a wristband which must be visibly displayed for the whole evening, as there will be wristband checks throughout the event. Wristbands will only be available on the night; it will not be possible to collect a wristband in advance. Re-entry is permitted but you must keep your wristband on. Any wristband that has been tampered with will be deemed invalid. 

You will also shortly receive a separate email with an additional copy of the tickets booked on your account.
   
Safety  
The Committee has been working hard to bring in measures to combat drink spiking. Single use ‘StopTopps’ will be available from all bars for those who ask for them. The Committee and security team will operate a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and spiking. If you are caught or suspected of either of these, you will be removed from the ball, and criminal investigations will follow.  

There will be a First Aid/Welfare unit available on the night with dedicated staff who can offer advice, support and treatment in any scenario which requires medical attention.  
  
FAQ
Will there be a cloakroom?   
It will be possible to leave coats on the hangers at the entrance to the Buttery. Please note that this will not be staffed therefore items are left at the owner’s risk.  
 
Will guests be able to enter the Ball without the lead booker present?   
Yes, provided that they have their own unique ticket, they will not need to be with the lead booker when scanning their ticket at the entry gate.  
 
Will I need to bring ID?   
All ticket holders should bring a valid form of identification (University Card, Driving Licence, or Passport). The Committee reserves the right to carry out ID checks during ticket scanning.   

When is the deadline for changing the principal and guest ticket name?   
The deadline for name changes on tickets will be Friday 10th June at midday. After this point, it will no longer be possible to manually change the names associated with tickets.
  
Will there be a programme?   
Yes, a link will be provided to our digital programme on the day before the Ball.
  
Do I need to queue if I live in college?  
Yes, all guests must pass through the ticket check at the Porters' Lodge to pick up a wristband and gain access to the Ball.
 
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If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at ball@wolfson.ox.ac.uk. 

In the meantime, keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook pages where you will start seeing some teasers about the big night!