The big event is upcoming and we hope you are as excited as we are. Here are a few reminders that we thought you might find helpful on Saturday.

Schedule of Events: The reception, in Baird Chapel, begins at 5:30 PM and goes until 6:45 PM when everyone moves from Baird Chapel to the Phoenix Arena for the dinner and live auction, followed by dancing the night away with our live band. The Ball ends at midnight.

Phoenix Ball Attire: As in the past, the appropriate attire for the Phoenix Ball is "Black Tie and Ball Gown."

Entrances to the Campus: There will be two (2) entrances for guest to use this year. It does not matter which entrance you choose. Entrance 1 is from West Spring Street into McClain Circle. Entrance 2 is from McClain Avenue (between Labry Hall and the Phoenix Arena). Once you pull up to the valet parking tent, the valet parkers will take your car from there.

Check-in Table: The check-in tables will be located just a few feet from the valet parking tents. Upon check-in, you will receive a card indicating your table number. The bottom of the card can be removed and handed to the photographer for the first photo of the evening. Multiple photographers will be available throughout the evening so we ask that you refrain from asking the photographer to take group photos when people are first arriving so that everyone can make it into Baird Chapel as quickly as possible.

Dietary Restrictions: If you have not already informed us about any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please email rrichardson@cumberland.edu immediately. It is critical that we provide this information to catering so they can be prepared to give the best meal possible to all guests.

Silent Auction: Once the auction goes live, we will be ready to accept your bid on dozens and dozens of wonderful items through our auction website portal. You can also get a sneak peek at the items that will be up for bid during the live auction.

We will post a link and instructions for the 2026 silent auction portal when the auction becomes available.

Safe Ride Home: Your safety throughout the evening is of paramount importance and to help ensure that you get home safely, we are very happy to offer you a "Safe Ride Home". The Safe Ride vehicles will be available near the valet station beginning at 10:00 PM.

Thank you again for your support and participation in this year’s Phoenix Ball and we look forward to seeing you at the Phoenix Ball.