Mansfield-Metcalf dinner organizers: Arrive early for event

By The Standard Staff - 04/01/2008

Be patient and arrive early.

Organizers of Saturday’s Mansfield-Metcalf dinner have released recommendations for those attending the event, featuring presidential candidates Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

“Having what has historically been a 600-person dinner become an event with 4,000 attendees, two presidential candidates and heightened security is unprecedented in Montana and has required some modifications,” Dennis McDonald, chairman of the Montana Democratic Party, said in a news release.

While the program begins at 6 p.m., Democratic Party leaders are asking people to redeem their tickets between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, or after 4 p.m..

The Civic Center will be closed between 1:30 and 4 p.m. for security reasons.

For security purposes, no backpacks, coats, large purses, outside food or drinks will be allowed in the Civic Center.

No firearms or weapons — even those permitted for legal carry at other times — will be allowed on the premises.

Those over 1 year old must have their own ticket and seat in the stadium. Cameras are allowed.

Anyone who purchased general admission stadium tickets online also should bring their printed transaction confirmation e-mail to the Civic Center between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., or after 4 p.m., and redeem for all of the tickets in the party.

The e-mailed confirmation of the purchase is needed to redeem tickets. Anyone from the party — not just the purchaser — may redeem the tickets.

All tickets must be redeemed at the same time — it’ll be up to the individual picking up the tickets to disperse to other members of the party.

Stadium seating tickets come with a complimentary box-meal and bottle of water. Additional beverages will be sold throughout the evening through the Civic Center concession stands.

Those who purchased floor tickets from the Montana Democratic Party also should pick up tickets between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., or after 4 p.m.

A no-host cocktail reception begins a half hour before the 6 p.m. program for those ticket holders with floor seats. Identification is needed to redeem event tickets and name tags.

An event sponsors’ reception begins at 5 p.m. in the Civic Center Annex where doors open at 4 p.m.

Sponsors are being asked to have identification at the door. Sponsor parking will be designated with names on a list at the gate.

“With everyone’s understanding and patience, we will be able to make this event a success, and one to remember,” McDonald said.

— Standard Staff