Since 1919, students at the University of Montevallo have participated in a homecoming tradition unlike any other. Students divide into two teams --- the Gold Side and the Purple Side (Green Side is considered neutral.). It is a unique phenomenon in higher education -- a pair of competitive, original, student-produced musical shows combined with competitive athletic events transpire over the early spring semester. In 2000, College Night was named a "Local Legacy" by the Library of Congress. It has an exhibit there in the American Folklife Center. 

Throughout the celebration, points are accumulated through pre-production events including sporting competitions and the productions themselves. The crowning star of UM’s College Night is the musical productions. Each side produces an original musical. Everything is created by current students — scripts, music, lyrics, costumes, choreography, sets and lighting.

Mixers and pre-production events occur during the fall semester and actual production work begins early in the spring semester. Each side tries to keep its preparations secret until the first performance during homecoming week.

All of the points are added to pre-production points, revealing either a Gold Victory or a Purple Victory.

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