Crewe of Columbus chooses new venue for 2025 Mardi Gras ball

Editor’s Note: Members of mystic societies do not reveal their identities for media interviews.

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Crewe of Columbus moved their 2025 Mardi Gras ball to The Grounds in light of the city’s plans to demolish the current Mobile Civic Center.

The ball will be held two weeks before the organization’s parade.

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“It’s going to be just as fun,” the Admiral of the Crewe of Columbus said.

The Admiral said everything else is already booked including the convention center, a popular second option among other Mardi Gras organizations.

The ball, according to the admiral, is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2025.

“The convention center is already booked that night and has been for years by the same organization,” the Admiral said.

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“That’s the only time we could get the Fairgrounds,” the Admiral said.

Due to “ample parking,” the Admiral said the organization will not bus their members to and from the ball.

“The only difference is our members will not be climbing off a float and going into the facility,” the Admiral said. “They’ll have to get themselves there.”

After being involved with Mardi Gras for the last 32 years, the Admiral said it’s sad that the 60-year-old Mobile Civic Center will soon become a pile of rubble. Demolition is set to begin on Aug. 1.

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“That’s the only place I’ve known as far as our ball is concerned,” the Admiral said.

The Admiral said he is excited to see the new civic center expected to replace the current facility. Until then, he said The Grounds could be the temporary home for the 102-year-old organization.

“We’re going to have a great parade and a great ball,” the Admiral said. “They’re just going to be on different days.”

Sources said more organizations are looking to move their Mardi Gras balls to The Grounds as well.

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Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said the design work for the new civic center is 60% complete, and the construction drawings are 50% complete.

The total price tag for demolishing the current civic center and constructing the new facility is $300 million.

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