Some annoyed at being kept out

With the entire citizenry of the Commonwealth on the guest list, it was not altogether surprising last night that the ballroom of the Boston Convention Center filled to capacity, keeping some from partaking in Governor Deval Patrick's opening bash.

For Melpo Kalaitzidis, who paid $50 for a ticket and was looking forward to going to the ball to cheer the newly inaugurated Patrick, the night turned into a big disappointment. Instead of rubbing shoulders with local movers and shakers, Kalaitzidis spent much of the night in the convention center lobby, frustrated at not being able to get even a glass of water, no less wish Patrick well.

"It's ridiculous that the community was invited but not let into the celebration," the 36-year-old psychotherapist from Brighton said in a telephone interview.

"People paid good money to be allowed in, and they weren't even given the opportunity to be a part of it."

The ballroom has a capacity of 4,000, and 11,000 tickets were either given away or sold, said Cyndi Roy, Patrick's deputy press secretary.

"The place is packed," Roy said. "People are coming from all over the city and the state."

Many of those who complained were allowed into the building, but not upstairs. Among those who had to remain outside the ballroom for long stretches were campaign workers, donors, people arriving from other inaugural events, and even some of Patrick's relatives, said Stephen Crawford, an inaugural spokesman.

Kalaitzidis made it to a spot a little closer to the action, but still demanded a refund. "They told us to call back tomorrow, which was ridiculous," Kalaitzidis said.

The state fire marshal and Boston fire officials said they had not heard of any overcrowding, but Boston fire officials said they were sending over inspectors to review the situation.

Officials in Patrick's camp said they were only trying to follow state law.

"We're not going to break fire code," Roy said.

Carol Beggy and David Abel of the Globe staff contributed to this report.