Drum Corps International (DCI) and Yokohama Tire Corporation, Inc. today signed a three-year partnership agreement which makes Yokohama Tire the official tire of Drum Corps International.
DCI’s new partnership with Yokohama Tire represents a natural alignment of shared values and vision between the two organizations. The collaboration reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact, as both organizations empower the next generation — whether on the football field or in the marketplace.
“Discipline, teamwork, and leadership — hallmarks of the marching arts — are the same qualities that drive Yokohama’s success,” said Bryant Rankin, executive sales director at Yokohama Tire Corporation. “Together, Yokohama and DCI look forward to building a partnership that inspires achievement and creates lasting value for performers, fans, and communities alike.”
“We are proud to have a brand like Yokohama Tire join the DCI partnership family,” said Nate Boudreaux, DCI’s chief executive officer. “It is exciting to have an international, non-endemic brand like Yokohama see the value of DCI’s events and programs.”
In addition to cash support to DCI and its programs, through the partnership, all DCI-affiliated drums corps in World Class, Open Class and All-Age Class will receive a corporate discount and a credit to purchase new tires for their tour vehicles as they prepare for the 2026 DCI Tour. Yokohama will also support a scholarship program for performers and donate $10,000 annually to a DCI drum corps as part of a “fan favorite” promotion.
Yokohama will receive digital assets on DCI platforms, including being the presenting sponsor of the DCI weekly e-newsletter. Additionally, the two organizations will work together on a pair of new programs — the Yokohama Tire All-Stars and the Yokohama Tire Fan Favorite Award. Yokohama will also be the presenting sponsor of the two-day DCI Eastern Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and fans will receive exclusive rebates on any new tire purchase from Yokohama Tire.
About Yokohama Tire Corporation
Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global tire manufacturer founded in 1917. YTC produces and markets premium tires for passenger cars, light trucks, commercial trucks, and motorsports. It is headquartered in Santa Ana, California and operates U.S. plants in Virginia and Mississippi.
