By Adam Tschorn Los Angeles Times

January 18, 2009
So what exactly are the 10 "official" inaugural balls under the aegis of the Presidential Inaugural Committee? They include five regional balls that encompass most of the U.S. states and territories, a pair of balls honoring the home states of the president-elect and vice president-elect, one for D.C. residents and one for members of the military.


But the cool kids will no doubt be kicking it at the Washington Hilton for the hottest ball of all: the Youth Inaugural Ball, recognizing the contributions of the 18- to 35-year-old crowd -- and which will be broadcast on MTV starting at 7 p.m. Pacific time. Ready for the most Facebook photo-tagged, Twittered and live-blogged black-tie bash in history? Gentlemen (and ladies), upgrade your servers.

What follows is a list of the official 10.

Obama Home States Inaugural Ball

Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

For: Friends, families and local supporters from Hawaii and Illinois and guests

Biden Home States Inaugural Ball

Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

For: Friends, families and local supporters from Delaware and Pennsylvania, and guests

Commander-in-Chief's Ball

Venue: National Building Museum

For: Enlisted active duty and reserve military

Neighborhood Inaugural Ball

Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

For: District of Columbia residents and guests

Youth Inaugural Ball

Venue: Washington Hilton

For: Young Americans ages 18 to 35

Five Regional Balls