Set against a 16′ x 20′ TV screen, the cheerleaders’ eight-person pyramid sprang into action with the top tier appearing to kick J.J. Redick in the face.

“I feel like I’m there at the game,” said Autumn Kirkendale, a junior in business management who attended last night’s event.

The goal of the ACTION (Advocating Choices Through Increased Action Now) committee and the Student Health services, partnered with various campus groups including Campus Police and Campus Recreation, was exactly that — good choices made by students.

“It’s a good idea since the fans can’t come to our away game. I think it’s really good for us, and I like the idea of the alternative party, because sometimes alcohol influences kids to get too loud and get in trouble at games,” Gavin Grant, a sophomore forward, said.

While The Big Event is in its ninth annual season, the concept has stayed the same.

“When we founded the event, it was to provide a safe environment to watch a game,” said Stephanie Sobol, assistant director of Health Promotion.

“From the very first event, it was a way to view the game without going to a sports bar,” Chris Austin, associate director of Health Promotion, said. “In fact, 21 percent of students don’t consume any alcohol. It’s a way to view the game while making positive choices.”

When the student section finally got a chance to sit down during a basketball game, the idea was short-lived as approximately 1,500 spectators were on their feet when the Wolfpack took the lead at the end of the first period.

“In between the pep band, the cheerleaders, and the dance team, you can’t help but get into the school spirit,” Sobol said. “We’re trying to create that nostalgia (of Reynolds). You can feel the vibe, and we’re trying to create that for students who don’t have that nostalgia.”

A combined blood alcohol content of 0.0, at least in theory, did not deter fans from being rowdy, making noise and simulating a home game experience.

“I found myself raising up my Wolfpack sign when we were shooting, and chanting ‘defense’ throughout the game. I don’t know why, they couldn’t hear us, but everybody was doing it,” Kirkendale said.

With Cameron Indoor Stadium being one of the best home court advantages in NCAA basketball, it’s easy for the Wolfpack to feel lost in a sea of royal blue.

“It’s just you and your team, you’re looking for someone to turn to, and when you’re at an away game, it’s only your teammates. When the Duke crowd gets loud, we know we have a congregation back as home that’s just as loud,” Grant said.

The reasons to cheer escalated during every commercial break and during halftime.

The Big Event’s planning committee secured University and corporate sponsors, making it possible to give away raffle prizes such as airline tickets, mountain bikes, signed basketballs and unlimited pizza and energy drinks.

For next year, “I’d really like to see a lot more student involvement in terms of the planning process,” Austin said. “One day, perhaps this could be a completely student-run event, with advisers just to oversee the development.”

“The athletics department has never jumped on the bandwagon, and we can’t figure it out why,” Sobol said.

Nonetheless, the players said they appreciate the near-decade-long tradition.

“Fans are just as important as any aspect of the game. You need to know that people are behind you,” said Tony Bethel, senior point guard. “Thank you for all your support, we really appreciate it — it means a lot to us.”