(top) Cirque du Soleil's  trademark blue  and yellow 'Grand Chapiteau' (big top) on its opening day at Santa Monica Pier  on Friday, October 16, 2009.
 (above) A KOOZA banner flies above  the Grand Chapiteau during its premier on Friday, October 16, 2009. The Grand  Chapiteau stands 66 feet high, 167 feet in diameter and is supported by four  masts, each 80 feet tall. The Big Top seats 2,555 people in a climate  controlled 
 environment. The Big Top  raising requires a team of approximately 80 
 people.
 The entire site set-up takes seven days and  includes the installation of the Tapis Rouge VIP tent, entrance and rehearsal  tents, box office, administrative offices, and a kitchen and dining area for  cast and crew.
 The “village” is  transported from city to city in 50 
 tractor trailers.