Drum Corps International’s Open Class World Championship events are headed to a legendary marching music destination.
Beginning in 2026, the two-day kickoff to DCI World Championships Week will be hosted in Dayton, Ohio.
The move follows a scheduling conflict with Indiana Wesleyan University, which served as the Open Class home for five successful seasons since 2019.
Situated just under two hours east of Indianapolis, the Open Class Prelims and Finals events will take place August 3-4 at the 11,000 seat Welcome Stadium, home of the University of Dayton Flyers. Marching music fans may be familiar with the venue which is situated right next door to the University of Dayton Arena, longtime home of the Winter Guard International World Championships.
“We’re very excited about this new venue for 2026 and the incredible welcome we’ve already received from the city of Dayton,” said DCI Open Class coordinator David Eddleman. “With ample parking and an easy drive on I-70 to and from Indy, this is the perfect place to kick off World Championships Week.”
2026 DCI Open Class World Championship events at Welcome Stadium — which underwent a $32 million renovation in 2023 — are currently scheduled to feature a lineup of seasoned corps and exciting returns:
- 7th Regiment – New London, CT
- Blue Devils B – Concord, CA
- Colt Cadets – Dubuque, IA
- Columbians – Pasco, WA
- Gold – San Diego, CA
- Heat Wave – Tampa Bay, FL
- Les Stentors – Sherbrooke, QC
- Memphis Blues – Memphis, TN
- Raiders – Princeton, NJ
- River City Rhythm – Anoka, MN
- The Battalion – Salt Lake City, UT
Notable milestones
This season will mark historical footnotes for several organizations:
- Memphis Blues will make their debut appearance competing for the Open Class title, as will Eclipse, pending a springtime evaluation as the Indianapolis-based ensemble aims for its Open Class Affiliate status.
- Blue Devils B and Heat Wave return to the World Championships stage for the first time since 2024 and 2019, respectively.
- International flavor: DCI is currently finalizing plans for several International Class ensembles to join the event.
