The Big Night is here. Cast members grab 40 winks in sleeping bags on the floor of the Mighty Ducks' locker rooms between rehearsal and showtime. At 4:30 p.m., female cast members are backstage in the hockey arena, doing their hair and makeup. Male cast members merely shave and then play video games in the coaches' office. As the evening progresses, university representatives are greeting honorees and talent, working with media covering the event, directing six different private parties for VIPs and manning the check-in area.

When it's time for dinner, Regency Caterers somehow successfully serve several courses of 930 meals. At 7:30 p.m., doors open to the public. Approximately 6,500 people will attend the show. And when the show begins at 8 p.m., the band - ensconced in the visitors' locker room - begins playing via amplification. They sound terrific.