VALPARAISO | A 25,000-square-foot temperature-controlled pavilion has risen over Valparaiso University's football field in preparation for Saturday's 150th anniversary gala.

Crews are now at work laying down linens and setting tables for the evening event to be emceed by Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow, where tickets range from $250 to $450.

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The structure will house a reception area, dining room, three-tiered stage, dance floor and catering kitchen area.

The evening is being produced by Event Architects, whose portfolio has included organizing official activities celebrating the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

In a nod to economic sensibilities at a time of worldwide financial crisis, the venue for the celebration was changed from Chicago's Field Museum. The university will save on the closer-to-home event, but university public relations director Reggie Syrcle declined to put a price tag on it.

"People are feeling this is something that happens once every 150 years and this deserves to be celebrated," Syrcle said.

Chilled seafood martinis will kick off Saturday's four-course dinner, which features a main course of sea bass, sliced tenderloin of beef or phyllo with artichokes and hearts of palm. Desert will consist of raspberry tart confit, chocolate cake with raspberry mousse and a white chocolate medallion.

Also taking place during the gala weekend are a performance by the VU Chamber Concert Band and an astronomy lecture and Observatory open house on Friday, the College of Engineering's annual Design Expo on Saturday and a performance by the VU Symphony Orchestra on Sunday.

The annual VU Student Art Exhibition at Brauer Museum of Art and various baseball and softball games will also take place over the weekend.