July 19

Walk-through

A team from fireworks company Pyrotecnico visits.

Aug. 9

Measurements

The crew returns to gauge light-tower dimensions, cable distances, and more before using aerial images to sketch out the eventual displays.

Aug. 19

Test-firing

The fire marshal and the crew assess safety.

Sept. 4

Set-up

From 2-11:30 p.m., the Pyrotecnico crew of eight installs everything but the live fireworks at 27 positions: 22 on the lights above the press box (11 positions equidistant apart on each tower), four on the platforms behind the south stands, and one on the practice field.

Sept. 7

Game day

9:00 a.m. We're live

Hundreds of live fireworks are spread out across the firing locations. Around 6 p.m., the crew is fully ready.

7:55 p.m. "And the rocket's red glare"

During the national anthem, a barrage from the south-side platforms is let loose. At the anthem's end, Duncan cues Pyrotecnico's Mike Shook, sitting at the top of the south stands, who sets off the light-tower fireworks. As the 48-millimeter shells ignite in succession, Shook radios pyrotechnician Stephen Patterson (computer science '91), positioned on the practice field behind the scoreboard, who flips switches 1 through 6 (out of 36 at his disposal), launching 1.2-inch-diameter shells about 125 feet into the air.

8:00 p.m. "Enter Sandman"

As the light-tower fireworks go off, Patterson flicks nine more switches.

8:56 p.m. Juke

Dodging a defender, fullback Sam Rogers trots into the end zone, welcomed by fireworks. Well behind Patterson on the practice field, the other firecracker on site—the beloved cannon Skipper—thunders its approval.

9:11 p.m. 3-for-3

Three volleys mark a 46-yard field goal.

9:31 p.m. Almost there

Two volleys celebrate a first-and-goal.

9:34 p.m. Take that

With a 1-yard touchdown pass, the Hokies go up 17-14.

9:52 p.m. Crescendo

Fireworks complement the Marching Virginians' halftime show.

11:23 p.m. Fizzle

No celebration is sent skyward for a late touchdown that concludes the scoring, 42-24, in the Buckeyes' favor.

Post-game: Packing up

Extra incendiaries—for a high-scoring game and a victory—were at the ready. But take heart, Hokie Nation; there'll be more fireworks for the next game.

ESPN skycam footage of the team entrances for the Virginia Tech vs. Ohio State game ©2015 ESPN