Set the scene for us. Why did you decide to sneak into Trinity Ball?

It was T-Ball in my second year, so 2023. The ticket day rolled around, I didn’t get a ticket, so after embarrassing myself on Instagram and debasing myself with the Pav Ticket Competitions, I was left with no other option than to sneak in. My hand was forced, basically. 

What was the schedule on the day? How did you feel?

Well, there were still nay-sayers around me who didn’t believe that I was able to pull it off. Some friends were still trying to find me a ticket, which didn’t happen (pro-tip, those people in the Instagram comment sections selling tickets are all scammers). 

Day of, I arrived at campus around 3pm and preparations for the ball were already underway. I had a tote bag with my tux, and I had gone to Centra to get supplies. I had my hiding place ready – the basement of the film building, below the arts workshop. I knew the code for the building but when I pressed in the code, it didn’t work. I started panicking, it was already a tense situation, and then a security guard started walking up to me and I thought, “This is over. Mission has failed.” He asked me, “Can I help you?” I said I’d forgotten my code for the building, and then immediately he was like “Oh let me help you” and just let me into the building.

So the lesson from that is: confidence is key.

If you act like nothing’s wrong, then nothing is wrong.

Having gained access to the building, what was next?

For those who haven’t been in the film building, it’s labyrinthine, asylum-esque. To get to the workshop, you have to go through these corridors like a rat in a tunnel. Anyway, I got down into the basement and by this stage, it was 4pm. So my waiting game began.

What was it like waiting for the ball to start?

Well, the basement is a place you’re not supposed to spend a lot of time in. It’s just storage space. It’s dusty, cobwebs but, conveniently, there was some red-bull I could use as a mixer. It toed the line between asylum and resort because it did really have bits and pieces for me. I was doing yoga because they have yoga mats. There’s amenities.

The alcohol was a question mark, to be honest. While I was in this basement going mildly crazy and getting stressed thinking I was gonna get caught, my friends were drinking at pres and having fun. There were multiple points where I heard the security searching the building.

I was uncertain of how the plan was actually going to work once I left, because the film building is just separate from where the arena of T-Ball is. By the time I was leaving, I’d had a bit of alcohol so I was feeling more confident. Plus, the workshop has full-length mirrors, so I’d been getting ready and psyching myself up for the exit.

What time did you make your escape?

At 9:30 I left, so I’d been in there a really long time. 

Was that wait worth it?

It felt like a psychological experiment, so I guess that’s the one hundred euros you’re forgoing. It wasn’t my favourite (laughs). It would have been nicer to hide out somewhere else.

What happened once you left the building?

It was nighttime by the time I left, and I was suddenly in the thick of it. It was a 100 metre walk to the ball so I just strolled in. And that was it.

What did it feel like?

It was a massive relief. The thing I remember most is everyone else’s reaction to me having snuck in. I guess in some ways it was quite unceremonious. It just consisted of me being in a basement and then emerging, at which point everyone else is buzzed up and screaming for me. Which was nice, obviously, but I realised that I just been in a basement while everyone had been partying. It wasn’t a great T-Ball.

Really? Why not?

T-Ball is in need of serious reform. It’s definitely not worth paying for but, honestly, is it even worth sneaking in for? I wish I could say yes, emphatically. But I just don’t think T-Ball is that great. Is it worth going at all?

That being said, I am on the list of 6000 suckers who are paying one hundred euros to go to T-Ball this year. Should I be sneaking in again? Absolutely. Will I sell my ticket at the last minute? Maybe.

Would you recommend sneaking in?

Absolutely. No questions. All Trinity students should sneak into T-Ball. I think it’s a right of passage. I think everyone should do it once. It felt legendary in its own way, but the actual experience was less exciting.

What are your top tips for those attempting to sneak in this year?

Find a spot that makes for a good story. Or else just embellish your experience. Finding a good hiding spot is essential and if you can get the tunnels involved, do. Don’t get caught.

Also you need some sort of supplies. 

Would you do it again?

I don’t know. I might think about it. Definitely not ruling it out.