The Ithaca Commons became awash in a sea of red April 17 as the Cornell Big Red Marching Band boomed their tunes to celebrate with men's basketball team and men's and women's ice hockey teams, and the city of Ithaca issued an official proclamation declaring the day "Big Red Day in Ithaca, N.Y."

The cause for the celebration was an unprecedented season for Cornell athletics, with the men's basketball team having a historic run, making it to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA playoffs; the men's hockey team qualifying for the East regional of the NCAA tournament following an ECAC championship season; and the women's hockey team completing a historic march to the national championship game following an ECAC championship season.

Players from all three teams were on hand to meet community members and share a large decorated Cornell cake. The band then played three more sets, marching to both ends of The Commons.