In addition to the traditional overhead fireworks display in tonight's Gator Growl, this year's show will be brought to a new and more personal level by using indoor fireworks.
Although he said he didn't want to give away any of the show's details, John Feigert, who works for the company taking care of Gator Growl's fireworks show, dropped a few clues about some new effects in tonight's show.
Feigert said this year, audience members should keep their eyes not only on the stage but in the stands as well.
To ensure the safety of the audience and to bring the fireworks closer to the spectators, Arthur Portnoy, associate director of operations for Gator Growl, said some of the technology being used is fundamentally different than what's been used in the past.
Portnoy said the show will cost between ,15,000 to ,20,000.
Because of the new indoor technology, the cost has not been determined.
"We're not necessarily spending more money than last year," Portnoy added. "We're trying something different, and investing our dollars in this new technology."
Feigert works for Pyrotecnico, one of the oldest and most established fireworks companies in the United States.
Pyrotecnico has done shows for the Superbowl and Monday Night Football, as well as the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Feigert said Pyrotecnico designs dozens of kinds of fireworks, all made to achieve different effects.
"We have custom effects for fast music or slow music, utilizing shells, roman candles, comets, crossheads - the list goes on and on," he said.
Two computers coordinate to ignite the fireworks in time with a musical soundtrack to present a synchronized display of light and sound.
"Our computers know exactly how long it takes for a specific firework to reach its target height," Feigert said. "If it takes three seconds to get up in the air, the computer will know to launch it at the right time so it will explode on cue."
The timing and sequences of the display are all programmed into the computer, so the show begins with the touch of a button.
Responding to spectator concerns, Feigert said the Gator Growl show has been designed with audience safety in mind.
Audience members are at least 140 feet away from the launch site, Feigert said.
"You might think so, but you don't ever have fireworks exploding over your head," he added.
The addition of the indoor fireworks will supplement the technology of the traditional outdoor show.
Although computer technology and new pyrotechnic chemistry will dictate the indoor show, the basic science behind the outdoor fireworks has not changed for more than 800 years.
Generally, a cardboard shell called a mortar holds chemicals in powder form, some of which act as explosive fuels.
By adding large grains of certain chemicals to the fuel mix in the firecracker, the fuel burns longer, producing a bright sparkle. The kind of fuel is also important to how a firework looks.
For example, when the element strontium is burned, it produces a red color while cooling. Meanwhile, copper produces blue.
By combining elements in certain proportions, chemists and pyrotechnicians can create a spectrum of designs and colors.
Feigert said Gator Growl would also feature a wide variety of fireworks.
"We have a different style and presentation than we've had in the past two years," Feigert said. "There will definitely be a wow factor."
