Drum Corps International is set to bring the power and precision of the world’s finest marching music ensembles to the big screen. The 2026 edition of “Big, Loud & Live” returns on Thursday, August 6, presented in partnership with Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of theatrical content worldwide. USBands and Ultimate Drill Book will serve as marketing partners.
Featuring the DCI World Championship Prelims live from Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, the annual event showcases the top 15 competing corps. The broadcast is designed to capture every intricate visual detail and musical impact in high definition, providing fans with a cinematic perspective of one of the most competitive nights of the season.
“Our fans responded positively to the return of the cinema event last year, and we’re excited to be back in theaters again with Fathom in 2026,” said DCI CEO Nate Boudreaux. “This live theatrical event gives us the opportunity to showcase the first night of our World Championships to fans from across the country who cannot make the trek to Indianapolis.”
The approximately five-hour event will feature expert analysis, exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, and real-time scoring. For the DCI fandom, the theatre event offers a “50-yard line seat” to the drama of the 2026 World Championship Prelims, where every hundredth of a point matters in the race to earn a spot among the top 12 finalist corps.
Leading the broadcast once again is a familiar voice of the summer.
“I’ve heard from fans who did what we suggested last year,” said longtime host Steve Rondinaro. “They made the event into a reunion — a party at the movie theater celebrating all things drum corps. Let’s build on that this summer. Check in on social media and make it a national meet-up. It’s drum corps’ night to shine.”
DCI’s cinema events are a tradition that dates back nearly two decades and represents a landmark in alternative cinema.
“Drum Corps International remains one of Fathom Entertainment’s longest-standing partners, and it’s rewarding to see ‘Big, Loud & Live’ return to theatres for a 19th year,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment. “What began as an early vision for live cinema has grown into a nationwide event that brings the World Championship Prelims to tens of thousands of fans each summer. Fathom is proud to continue delivering this one-of-a-kind experience on the big screen.”
Ticket and theatre information
Tickets and a participating theatre list for DCI 2026: Big, Loud & Live will be available online on Friday, June 26 and at participating theatre box. For more information and to be among the first notified when tickets go on sale, please visit FathomEntertainment.com.
