Illinois Presidential Inaugural Gala Tickets

The 2009 Illinois Inaugural Gala will hold its VIP Reception and Dinner on January 19, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Grand Ball foyer of the luxurious Renaissance Hotel. An open bar invites guests to mingle with one another before the three-course dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Included with dinner will be a goodie bag of Illinois products, a program with sponsor information, and entertainment.

Following dinner is the magnificent Gala Ball, which will run from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. VIP and dinner guests are welcome to attend, as well as those who only bought tickets for the ball.

Numerous ballrooms and foyers will be adorned to reflect the night's theme: Illinois Heroes. The venue will be decorated to mimic the cities, towns, riverfronts, and historic sites of Illinois including renditions of "Hyde Park" and the "Magnificent Mile", a "Riverboat Lounge", "Chicago Pizzeria", and a "Sports Bar" to name but a few.

From swing to disco, there's entertainment to please any musical style. The Bob Hardwick Sound will bring big band to the "City of Chicago" ballroom. In the "Illinois Hall of Heroes", enjoy the Strolling Strings. Croon in the "Country Saloon" with Southern Winds, or tap your heels to Daryl Otts honky-tonk piano in the Lounge. In the "University Ballroom", you can rock out to two bands - Second Nature and Doctor's Orders.

Gala guests needing respite from the festivities can take a break in the "Steppenwolf Theatre", have a caricature done in the "Drawing Room", relax in the "Irish Pub" or visit "Armed Forces Hall" to send a message to our troops.

The Illinois Inaugural Gala promises to be a magical evening to remember and a fitting celebration to honor the hometown hero, President-elect Barack Obama!