On this special day Elvis attended an extra rehearsal at the International Convention Center Arena to check out some technical difficulties. He would perform on a stage with a long runway extending out into the audience and a giant flashing figure of Elvis as the backdrop.
The show started at 8.30 p.m. and this was billed as a dress rehearsal and taped in case there were problems with satellite transmission the next night. The repertoire for each show was identical. No admission was charged, but contributions were expected and a goal of $25,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund had been announced.