GENERAL INFORMATION

Guest of Honor:  
Sergeant Major Retired Bradley Kasal, Former Sergeant Major, 4th Marine Division

When:  
Wednesday, 10 November, 2021

Where:
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

UNIFORM AND DRESS POLICY

Marines:

Evening Mess Dress, Blue Dress “A” or Service “A” (E-6 and above)
Blue Dress “A” or Service “A” (E-5 and below) 

Navy:

Mess Dress Blue Jacket (E-7 and above)
Full Dress Blue w/Mini Medals (E-6 and below)

*Pregnant Marines and Sailors will wear the service maternity uniform if available. “Currently there is a shortage in obtaining the maternity uniform”, individuals who fall into this category may request a waiver to wear an Evening Gown. Waivers must be approved by the Commanding Officer, HQBN (MCO P1020.34G/OPNAVIST 6000.1C). 

Civilians:

Black Tie/Formal
Ladies: Long Evening Gown(Floor Length)
 

Notes:

• Uniforms are not authorized for liberty before or after the ball.
• Minimum attendance for the Birthday Ball is 13 years of age.

ticket information

Prices:

Ticket Sales:

Marine Corps Birthday Ball tickets will be available for sale starting 1 August, 2021 and ending on 1 October 2021.  
Location for purchase is the front Foyer near the Auditorium from 1100 to 1300.
 

Military and civilian guests not assigned to this command can purchase tickets by calling 504-697-8046.
Cash or Check – if paying by check, please make check payable to “Marine Corps Ball Fund”.
 

Foyer Ticket Sale Dates:  

Monday,  2 August
Tuesday, 13 August
Wednesday, 01 September
Wednesday, 15 September
Friday, 01 October

• On non-pay periods, tickets can be purchase through your MSC/HQBN Birthday Ball Representative.
• First and Second ticket can be purchased at members rate; any additional ticket purchase will cost $90.00 per ticket.  

FOOD AND BEVERAGE INFORMATION

Buffet Style Menu:

Salad
Mesclun Mix, plum tomatoes, carrots and house-made croutons with Herb Balsamic Vinaigrette

Entrée
Blackened Breast of Chicken
Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes 

Vegan
Baked Vegetable Terrine with Quinoa and Red Pepper Coulis

Oven Fresh Baked Bread
Vegetable Tray
 

Dessert:

White Frosted Sheet Cake
Freshly Brewed Coffee and Ice Tea

Cash Bars:

$8 Cocktails ( Drinks / Wine / Domestic Beer / Import / Craft Beer )
Bottle Water – $3.00
Sodas - hosted

Note:  Water and tea provided on tables.

FOOTWARE GUIDANCE

Shoe / Heel Restrictions

This year, we have the incredible privilege of holding our USMC Birthday Ball on the Saints football field at the Caesars Superdome. An incredible venue given to the Marines, by a very special donor.  However, there will be shoe restrictions because of the turf (a spongy plastic surface) that we MUST adhere to for safety and liability purposes.

Although high heeled shoes are very stylish for this type of occasion, we cannot stress enough, that high heeled shoes of any length, will not be allowed to be worn to this year's ceremony.  Doing so may result in injury from twisted, sprained or broken ankles.  Additionally, the heels create the liability for turf damage - which the command is not willing accept.

Flats, wedges, and chunky heels of 2" in height and at least a 2” heel/base or more are the only acceptable shoes that may be worn to this occasion. 

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, but you will not be admitted into the Caesars Superdome without a shoes inspection first.

• Bare feet will NOT be permitted.
• Non-compliance will be denied entrance.

Heel Restriction Wavier

Female Military Officers and SNCOs who have purchased tickets and planned to wear their Evening Dress or Mess Dress Blue Jackets to the 246th Marine Corps Birthday Ball NOLA Ceremony.

A wavier has been authorized for those who plan to wear the Evening Dress or Mess Dress uniform only a maximum heel allowance of 3 inch as prescribed by the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations. 

If you do not plan to wear this uniform, you will abide by the current restriction previously published. 

• Please be aware that the Caesars Superdome has issued warnings and restriction for Shoe Heel due to Turf liabilities and high risk of foot injuries. 
• Please take extra precautions and care to ensure your safety on the evening of the ball while walking/dancing on the turf field during this event.   

Marine Corps Uniform Regulations:  CH5 b. Black suede or fabric pumps will be worn with evening dress uniforms. Heels will measure from 1-1/2 inches to 3 inches in height. The base of the heel will measure from 3/8 by 3/8 inch to 1-1/4 by 1-1/3 inches.  MARADMIN 361/08.

CAESARS SUPERDOME BAG POLICY

Please note that the Caesars Superdome Bag Policy – Will be Enforced for this event. Small clutch bags, 6.5" x 4.5", with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium and are subject to search. *An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the gate.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and/or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Note: additional guidance can be found on the Caesars Superdome website.

Prohibited Items

Outside Alcohol
Individuals caught with outside alcohol will be escorted from the venue immediately and not allowed to return.

Glass Containers
No glass containers of any type will be allowed to enter the Caesars Superdome.

Footballs
Footballs of any kind or size are prohibited.  Individuals caught with a football whether; throwing, passing or dunking it will be escorted from the venue immediately and not allowed to return.

Hotel Information

Lodging for 2021 MARFORRES Marine Corps Birthday Ball has been reserved at the following hotels:

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans: 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

• 11/09/2021 - 38 rooms
• 11/10/2021 - 248 rooms
• 11/11/2021 - 38 rooms

Standard Single/Double Occupancy - $136 + tax
Single/Double Occupancy - $136 + tax

Valet Parking: $40.00 per night

Cutoff Date: 10/15/21

The Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome: 330 Loyola Street, New Orleans LA 70113.

• 11/09/2021 - 10 rooms
• 11/10/2021 - 75 rooms
• 11/11/2021 - 10 rooms

Standard Single/Double Occupancy - $109 + tax
Single/Double Occupancy - $109 + tax

Special Parking: $20.00 per night

Reservation Group Code: MBB
Cutoff date: 10/15/21

Parking Information

Event parking - $10.00
Note: overnight parking is not available at the Superdome.

Photography / Portraits

Photography will be provided.  Each person/couple photographed are responsible for the purchase of their own photographs. Anyone wishing to be photographed can do so at any of the multiple photography stations the night of the ball.  All photographs will be sent to you via text or email for viewing allowing you the opportunity to order online. You will have the opportunity to choose from multiple backgrounds for each photo. A few of our packages include the following:

All orders will be placed online and will be mailed to you within days of ordering. 

New this year – Holiday cards and a variety of photo gifts. Also, digital files will be available for immediate download - price varies by resolution and package choice. 

• All photos are to be paid for at the time of your sitting.
• Payment can be made by cash, check, or a major credit card.

  ---