Watching on ESPN, it was obvious what the environment was like. I still wish I could have experienced it in person though!
I think all the things you mentioned are great - light shows, student section, Cosmo’s crazy stunts - but ultimately the crowd enthusiasm, noise and volume are the essence of what makes the MC such a great venue.
In our day as students I don’t remember many games NOT being a packed house. We didn’t have a student section but we all sat together in groups of friends and it was such a great part of my college experience.