Beneath glowing constellations and city lights, this year’s Paly Prom promises a night under the stars at San Francisco’s Exploratorium on May 17, complete with dinner and school-provided transportation.

According to Associated Student Body treasurer Paul Wang, ticket prices have risen this year due to more expensive facilities and food. 

“ASB is spending $75,000 more [on Prom], but we’re also keeping the [ticket] prices relatively the same,” Wang said. “On average, every student who’s buying a Prom ticket has saved $80 off of the base price, and last year, students only saved around $30.”

One of the biggest changes to Prom this year is the venue: the Exploratorium in San Francisco — a hands-on museum of science, technology and art founded by renowned physicist Frank Oppenheimer. It’s a striking shift from last year’s location at Gilroy Gardens, bringing Prom back to the same spot that hosted Paly’s 2022 Prom.

Senior Sean Bui said he enjoyed the amusement park rides last year, but had mixed feelings about this year’s venue. 

“The rides were excellent,” Bui said. “I don’t know if the location this year will be as good, but it’ll still be fun. I’m a big geek, so I like the Exploratorium.”

According to Wang, Prom attendees will enjoy a significant upgrade from last year in terms of food, venue and experience due to increased funding.

“Last year we didn’t have enough money to spend on activities and food, and last year’s food was really bad, but this year we opted up,” Wang said. “We’re doing a three-course meal. On ASB’s side, we paid $65 for most people’s meals, and we also paid way more for activities.”

Like other students, senior Naama Greene said she is less focused on the theme, “Under the Stars”,
though she is still anticipating a memorable evening.

“I didn’t really think about the theme when I’m picking my dress,” Greene said. “It’s going to be a different vibe from last year, so it’s exciting.”

Sophomore Kaylee Manriquez said she will be attending Prom with her date and is excited for the entire experience, despite the effort it takes to prepare.

“I’m really looking forward to just being with my date all night long, wearing my dress and feeling super pretty, and especially getting ready for Prom,” Manriquez said. “I think it [Prom] takes an immense amount of work and money, but eventually, it is so fun and very worth it.” 

Tickets can be purchased on the Paly Webstore here. For students with dietary restrictions, a form can be filled out here. The deadline has passed to submit a guest pass. More information can be found here.