Lucas Oil Stadium management made an early call in advance of the DCI Tour Premiere, to keep the roof of the 62,000-seat facility closed on Wednesday. The timing for the decision allows for more time to better prepare for the indoor configuration.

Drum Corps International had plans to keep the stadium’s retractable covering open during its season-opening event this week. It would have marked the first time since DCI began hosting events at the arena in 2009 that drum corps would have competed under an open sky.

“Weather reports on Wednesday are currently calling for thunderstorms during the day and a 66-percent chance of precipitation during event-time,” DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson said.

Any precipitation anticipated in the area is one of several factors that automatically cause the roof to be closed during events from concerts to football games.

In 2010, DCI had plans to open the roof during the World Championship Prelims, however, excessive heat in the Indianapolis area forced it to be closed for the safety and comfort of spectators and performers.

Wednesday’s indoor competition will kick off the more than 100-event DCI Summer Tour, with performances by the Madison Scouts, Blue Stars, Carolina Crown, Cavaliers, Cadets and Bluecoats.

Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster or at the stadium box office beginning at 9 a.m. ET on the day of the event. Gates open at 6:15 p.m. with the Madison Scouts stepping off at 8:37 p.m.

Learn more about the DCI Tour Premiere.