The 2016 Drum Corps International World Championships, Aug. 8-13, will mark a weeklong celebration of the world’s most elite marching music ensembles.
Featuring a high level of performance excellence coupled with an intense competitive spirit, more than 35 drum and bugle corps filled with dedicated young performers will take the field throughout the week, creating unparalleled excitement as they vie for the World Championship title.
But the World Championships are more than competition and placements. Thousands of drum corps alums, family members and fans will travel thousands of miles to share in the excitement of this year’s “Finals Week,” before another summer season is written into the history books.
The action kicks off in Michigan City, Indiana, with the Open Class Prelims and Finals Monday and Tuesday, August 8 and 9. Events will then move to Indianapolis, beginning with the DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue and Kickoff Party and Hall of Fame Induction on Wednesday, August 10, before the action moves into Lucas Oil Stadium August 11-13, for three incredible days of competition.
Bookmark this page, as we’ll update this guide throughout the week of the Championships with additional information as it becomes available!
New and Notable for the 2016 DCI World Championships
• Open Class action: For the ninth straight year, Michigan City’s Ames Field in Northwest Indiana will be the place that Open Class corps kick off the World Championships schedule of events.
• Taking it to the streets: The DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue returns to downtown Indianapolis’ Georgia Street in a festival-like outdoor atmosphere that showcases the best of drum corps’ individuals and ensembles.
• Musical middle schoolers: DCI once again presents the INpact Indiana's Future Band made up of 450 Indiana middle school musicians. The group will perform the morning of DCI World Championship Finals at Pan Am Plaza and that evening on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.
• The race is on to Lucas Oil Stadium: The third-annual Street Beat 5K comes to downtown Indy the morning of the DCI World Championship Finals for a run/walk race that supports drum corps and other musical organizations.
• SoundSport & DrumLine Battle events get even bigger and better: Reorganized as the SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Motif Music, both SoundSport and DrumLine Battle teams will get things going the morning and afternoon of the DCI World Championship Finals in Downtown Indy. The festival-like atmosphere will bring food vendors together with an incredible assortment of music and entertainment. With the biggest-ever lineup of SoundSport teams coming to Indy for 2016, a new venue, the Pavilion at Pan Am will be utilized.
Jump to day:
Monday, Aug. 8 | Tuesday Aug. 9 | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | Thursday, Aug. 11 | Friday, Aug. 12 | Saturday, Aug. 13
Eastern Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Times subject to change.
MONDAY, AUGUST 8
Ames Field in Michigan City, Indiana will host two nights of the Open Class World Championship competition.Open Class Prelims
Where: Ames Field, 2501 Franklin St./State Route 421, Michigan City, Indiana
When: Event starts at 4 p.m. CT
Admission: $15 general admission
About: In its ninth year in Michigan City, the Open Class Prelims will kick off all 2016 World Championship events. Taking place at Ames Field, an intimate stadium built with drum corps in mind, this event will feature 16 Open Class corps.
View lineup and performance times.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9
The 2016 Open Class Champion will be crowned on Tuesday, August 9, in Michigan City, Indiana
Open Class Finals
Where: Ames Field, 2501 Franklin St./State Route 421, Michigan City, Indiana
When: Event starts at 6 p.m. CT
Admission: $25 reserved, $15 general admission
About: The DCI World Championships continue on Tuesday, August 9, as the 12 top scoring Open Class corps from the Open Class Prelims compete for the title of World Champion.
Buy tickets to this event.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
Individuals and ensembles will be in the spotlight during the DCI Performers Showcase on Wednesday, August 10.
DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue
Where: Georgia Street, Downtown Indianapolis
When: 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: The DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue (formerly the Individual & Ensemble Championship) will give members of World and Open Class drum corps and even SoundSport and DrumLine Battle teams the opportunity to show their individual and small group talents in an up-close setting. This year's event will once again be held outdoors in a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere on Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis, with some performances inside at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Learn more about this event.
Hall of Fame Kickoff Party
Where: Historic Union Station, 39 Jackson Place, Downtown Indianapolis
When: 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Mingling access to ballroom and events is free and open to DCI fans. Table seating may be reserved by contacting the DCI office by August 8.
About: Kicking off World Championship celebrations in downtown Indianapolis, this annual party will include a special recognition of the newly inducted DCI Hall of Fame Class of 2016, live music, raffles, auctions and other entertainment to keep the festivities running late into the night. Proceeds will benefit various Hall of Fame projects, one of which is the Jim Jones Leadership Scholarship Fund.
Learn more about the 2016 DCI Hall of Fame inductees.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
Competition gets underway at Lucas Oil Stadium on the morning of Thursday, August 11.
Corps Warm-Up Zone
Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Downtown Indianapolis
When: 8 a.m. until last performing corps warms up
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: Come see your favorite corps warming up before their competitive Prelims performances at historic Military Park, a 14-acre green space bordering the campus of IUPUI. Military Park is a little less than a mile from Lucas Oil Stadium.
Learn more about Military Park.
DCI Festival Marketplace
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
Marketplace Hours: 8 a.m. until stadium clears at the end of the Prelims event
Admission: Free with your ticket to the Prelims
About: Grab some cool new gear from DCI, your favorite corps and DCI’s corporate sponsors! Entertainment, souvenirs, information, and other items and activities will be available. Immediately upon entering Lucas Oil Stadium’s east-side entrance, fans will find themselves immersed in the Festival Marketplace with booths lining the concourse leading to the seating area.
The Festival Marketplace at Lucas Oil Stadium has the latest merchandise from DCI corps and more.
World Championship Prelims presented by Earasers Musicians Earplugs
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: Gates open at 8:30 a.m., first corps steps off at 9:17 a.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $29. Prices increase $7 on Thursday, August 11th.
About: 2016 marks the eighth anniversary of World Championship events at Lucas Oil Stadium. In addition to the performances of World Class groups, Open Class corps will also compete at this all-day event that will feature a total of 38 corps.
View lineup and performance times.
Big, Loud & Live 13 Cinema Event
Where: More than 500 movie theaters across the U.S.
When: 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, lasts approximately five hours
Admission: $18, but may vary by theater location
About: If you can’t make it to Lucas Oil Stadium, you can still take part in the World Championships excitement. "Big, Loud & Live 13" will bring you the complete performances of the top-15 corps and highlights from earlier in the day live in movie theaters nationwide.
Learn more, and find a theater near you!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
Military Park is where fans can watch their favorite corps warm-up before competing at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Future Music Educators’ Experience
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
About: If you are a college student currently majoring in music education (undergraduate or graduate level), you can attend the 2016 DCI World Championship Semifinals for free! You’ll experience the event inside and out, kicking off the day with DCI CEO Dan Acheson, motivational speaker Fran Kick, and a series of marching music education insiders.
Learn more about this event.
Corps Warm-Up Zone
Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Downtown Indianapolis
When: 12 p.m. until the last performing corps warms up
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: Watch your favorite corps warm up before they take the field for the Semifinals competition. Military Park is a little less than a mile from Lucas Oil Stadium. A shuttle bus to and from Lucas Oil Stadium and the Warm-Up Zone will run from approximately 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
DCI Festival Marketplace
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
Hours: 12:30 p.m. until stadium clears after the Semifinals event
Admission: Free with your ticket to the Semifinals
About: Purchase souvenirs and other merchandise from your favorite World and Open Class corps, Drum Corps International and more! The Festival Marketplace is located throughout the main stadium concourse leading from the stadium’s east entrance to the seating areas.
World Championship Semifinals
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: Gates open to marketplace 12:30 p.m., First corps steps off 2 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $29. Prices increase $7 on Thursday, August 11th.
About: The World Championship Semifinals features DCI's top-25 corps as determined by Thursday’s Prelims event. These corps will duke it out for a spot in the coveted "Top 12," giving them one more chance to perform on Saturday.
Buy tickets to this event.
View lineup and performance times.
2016's graduating corps members will be recognized on the field following the Semifinals competition.
Semifinals Awards and Ceremonies
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: Following Semifinals performances
Admission: Included as part of admission to the Semifinals
About: A number of awards and presentations will be made at the conclusion of Friday night's competition including recognition of 2016 DCI Hall of Fame inductees, DCI Volunteers of the Year, scholarship recipients, and Performers Showcase Champions. It'll all be topped off with a very special performance by the always-entertaining Bridgemen Alumni Corps.
Age-Out Ceremony presented by U.S. Army Bands
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: Following Semifinals performances
Admission: Included as part of admission to the Semifinals
About: With the help of the U.S. Army Bands, Drum Corps International honors the graduating class of 2016—corps members who have dedicated their time, passion and hard work to the drum corps activity over many years in this special ceremony.
DCI World Championships After-Party
Where: Pavilion at Pan Am Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave, Downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 p.m., following the Semifinals event
Admission: Free and open to the public. Food and drink available for purchase.
About: In a new venue for 2016, Pavilion at Pan Am, the DCI World Championships After-Party will follow up Friday night’s Semifinals competition. Open to the public, music and entertainment will be abound, making this a celebration not to be missed!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
The third-annual Street Beat 5K will kick things off the morning of Saturday, August 13.
Street Beat 5K
Where: Starting line in Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Downtown Indianapolis
When: 8 a.m.
Admission: $40 to run/walk
About: The Street Beat 5K gives runners and walkers the opportunity to start the morning of the DCI World Championship Finals bright and early to support their favorite corps. Participants will be able to choose which drum corps or local arts groups they’d like to support when registering, with 50 percent of the proceeds from designated registrations going directly to their selected organization. This year’s 5K course will start at Military Park and end at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Learn more about this event.
SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Motif Music
Where: Pavilion at Pan Am, Downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: Drum Corps International’s SoundSport division showcases ensembles of any age, size and instrumentation in an intimate performance atmosphere. Bigger and better than ever in 2016, 15 SoundSport teams are scheduled to compete in Indianapolis. Performances will take place in the Pavilion at Pan Am with stage lighting, video screens and 900-seat bleachers giving a 360 degree view of the action. Be on the lookout for a variety of Indianapolis’ gourmet food trucks surrounding the arena, as the streets of downtown Indy turn into a festival of the performing arts.
Learn more about this event.
DrumLine Battle returns to Pan Am Plaza and Georgia Street on Saturday, August 13.
DrumLine Battle on Georgia Street
Where: Indiana Convention Center - Hall A, Downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: As part of the all-new SoundSport International Music and Food Festival, Downtown Indy will be slamming to the rhythm of a massive DrumLine Battle the morning and afternoon of the DCI World Championship Finals. DrumLine Battle is a live, high-energy, entertainment-focused competition for marching percussion ensembles. Some 20 lines are expected to be on hand including those of DCI drum corps, scholastic and independent groups and international teams. Who’ll throw down and become the next DrumLine Battle Champion? Be there at either Georgia Street or the open-air Pan Am Plaza to find out!
Learn more about DrumLine Battle.
INpact Indiana's Future Band
Where: Pavilion at Pan Am, Downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
450 of Indiana's most talented middle school band students will make an appearance as a precursor to their performance later that evening on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. The INpact program encourages students to consider the arts as they make important skills development decisions for their high school years and beyond. Come out to give these kids a hand for their hard work!
Learn more about INpact.
DCI Festival Marketplace
Hours: 3:30 p.m. until stadium clears after the Finals event
Admission: Free with admission to the Finals
About: Depending on how many Championship events you’ll be attending this week, here’s either your first or final opportunity to purchase souvenirs from Drum Corps International, the corps and DCI's corporate sponsors.
Kick Start Leadership Workshop
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: 3:30 p.m. (Gates open for Kick Start attendees at 3 p.m.)
Admission: Free and open to students with a ticket to the Finals
About: ”Kick Start” your fall marching band season with DCI and motivational speaker Fran Kick! Kick's interactive and engaging leadership presentation will inspire students to reach new levels of responsibility, discipline and self-awareness, all while nurturing the core values that will help them succeed in life.
Learn more about Kick Start.
Corps Warm-Up Zone
Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Downtown Indianapolis
When: 4 p.m. until last performing corps warms up
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: Watch your favorite corps warm up before they take the field for their final performances of the 2016 summer season. Military Park is a little less than a mile from Lucas Oil Stadium. A shuttle bus for fans will run between Lucas Oil Stadium and Military Park from approximately 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The top-12 corps of 2016 will compete on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.
World Championship Finals Ceremonies
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: 5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free with admission to the Finals
About: The DCI World Championship Finals will kick off with a number of special recognitions, presentations and performances. Highlights include:
• The 2016 Open Class DCI World Champion, who will be named on Tuesday of Championships Week, will perform in exhibition.
• After completing a whirlwind tour of Indianapolis for rehearsals and activities the day before, the INpact Indiana's Future Band, an ensemble made up entirely of Indiana middle school students will perform at 6 p.m. as part of the opening ceremonies of the World Championship Finals. The group will have the very special opportunity to perform with drum corps' very own Al Chez formerly of the Late Show Orchestra, and the Star United mini drum corps ensemble.
• As an annual tradition of the World Championship Finals, the Commandant’s Own, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps is expected to perform its field show and the National Anthem during Saturday’s event.
World Championship Finals presented by DJI
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis
When: Gates open to Festival Marketplace at 3:30 p.m., Ceremonies and special performances beginning at 5:30 p.m., First corps steps off at 7 p.m., Awards Ceremony is at 10:45 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $39. Prices increase $10 on Thursday, August 11th.
About: The top-12 drum corps will compete for the last time in 2016 for the chance to be named World Champion and to affix their corps' name to the DCI Founders Trophy.
Buy tickets to this event.
HELPFUL LINKS
Tickets at DCI.org
DCI.org/IndyHotels
VisitIndy.com
Indianapolis maps and visitors' guides
Downtown Indianapolis parking