Rachel Barter ’27

by Rachel Barter ’27 on October 8, 2026

As a senior who has now attended four Late Night Madness events—yes, I am that old—I can safely say that this year’s iteration was entertaining from start to finish. The event moved at a crisp pace, and I was never bored. However, a few changes left me questioning the decisions made behind the scenes.

First, the positives. The timing of the performances and announcements were spot-on. Intermissions were short enough to keep the crowd engaged, and no single segment overstayed its welcome. I also appreciated the return of floor access for students. The event staff successfully managed a limited pit capacity, preventing the dangerous crowding I experienced my freshman year. That said, the selection process for who received pit access versus seating remained unclear.

A few other structural shifts raised eyebrows. For one, it was hard to ignore the discrepancy in performance times. While Providence College A Cappella performed two songs, the PC Dance Club, a much larger group, was limited to a single Justin Bieber mashup. Unless team captains chose their own durations, event organizers should establish a standardized time limit for all performance groups.

More concerning was the disparity in team announcements. While the men’s hockey team was formally introduced to the arena, the women’s hockey team was omitted entirely. Regardless of the reasoning behind this decision, equity matters: if a men’s division is recognized at a university event, the corresponding women’s program deserves the same stage.

Finally, my biggest critique was the decision to cut individual athlete walkouts and hype songs. In previous years, hearing individual names called and watching athletes enter with their country or state flags added a personal touch. It highlighted their identities and helped students feel connected to the roster on a human level.

While cutting these introductions likely saved time, especially with the addition of the men’s hockey team, the sacrifice wasn’t worth it. If timing is the core issue, starting the event 30 minutes earlier, at 7:30 p.m., would preserve one of the most energetic and personal traditions for students, families, and alumni alike.

Late Night Madness is a staple of the PC experience, but efficiency shouldn’t come at the cost of inclusion and tradition, whether that is for student performers or athletes. Specifically, moving forward, PC must ensure every team gets equal respect, and every student-athlete receives the spotlight they’ve earned.