The 2017 Drum Corps International World Championships, Aug. 7-12, 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, 40 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. Adding to the entertainment in Indianapolis will be 20 SoundSport teams, whose all-age, all-instrumentation performances will add unique flair to the World Championships Week atmosphere.
But the World Championships are more than just 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,” and thousands more will join in through live coverage provided by FloMarching.com and through our “Big, Loud and Live” cinema broadcast now entering its 14th year, 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 7 and 8. Events will then move to Indianapolis, beginning with the DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue. Following will be the Kickoff Party and Hall of Fame Induction on Wednesday, August 9, before the action moves into Lucas Oil Stadium August 10-12, 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 2017 DCI World Championships
- Open Class action: Celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Championship events at Michigan City's Ames Field, Northwest Indiana will be the place to be as Open Class corps kick off the week's schedule of events.
- Individuals and ensembles: This year, the DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue finds a new home inside the Indiana Convention Center which will set the stage for the best of drum corps' individual performers.
- BANDtastic!: More than 500 Indiana middle school musicians — the most ever in the five-year history of the program — will descend upon Indianapolis as members of INpact Indiana's Future Band convene for two days of educational sessions, rehearsals and performances around the DCI World Championships.
- The race is on to Lucas Oil Stadium: The fourth annual Street Beat 5K comes to downtown Indy the morning of the DCI World Championship Finals for a run/walk race that will support the ongoing efforts of the Marching Music Health and Wellness Project.
- SoundSport & DrumLine Battle events get even bigger and better: The SoundSport International Music & Food Festival returns to Indy as both SoundSport and DrumLine Battle teams 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.
- Visitors from home and abroad: Special visitors will make their way to Indianapolis for a number of special performances. Chesterfield, England's THE COMPANY will make its World Championships debut in DCI's International Class, the Medellin Gran Banda from Colombia will headline the SoundSport International Music and Food Festival, and the Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni Corps will take the field during Friday night's Semifinals.
Jump to day:
Eastern Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Times subject to change.
MONDAY, AUGUST 7
Open Class Prelims
Where: Ames Field, 2501 Franklin St./State Route 421, Michigan City, Indiana
When: Event starts at 4 p.m. CT
Admission: $20 general admission in advance
About: In its 10th year in Michigan City, the Open Class Prelims will kick off all 2017 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, as well as England’s THE COMPANY from across the pond.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8
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, $20 general admission in advance
About: The DCI World Championships continue on Tuesday, August 8, as the 12 top-scoring Open Class corps from the Open Class Prelims compete for the title of World Champion.
Watch live on FloMarching.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9
DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue
Where: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: noon, 12 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: The DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue 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 finds a new home inside the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, with some performances also at the Indianapolis Artsgarden (110 W. Washington St.).
Hall of Fame Kickoff Party
Where: Historic Union Station, 39 Jackson Place, downtown Indianapolis
When: 10 p.m.
Admission: Mingling access to ballroom and events is free and open to DCI fans
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 2017, 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.
To participate in the DCI Kickoff Auction, you can register online or by texting “DCI17” to 52182.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
Corps Warm-Up Zone
Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., downtown Indianapolis
When: Approximately 8 a.m. until last performing corps warms up
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: Come see your favorite corps warming up at historic Military Park before their competitive Prelims performances. A 14-acre green space bordering the campus of IUPUI, Military Park is a little less than a mile from Lucas Oil Stadium.
DCI Festival Marketplace
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
Marketplace Hours: 8:30 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
World Championship Prelims
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: Gates open at 8:30 a.m., first corps steps off at 9 a.m.
Admission: Starting at $29 in advance
About: 2017 marks the ninth 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 40 corps.
Watch live on FloMarching.com(does not inlcude top 15 drum corps)
Big, Loud & Live 14 Cinema Event
Where: More than 600 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 14” will bring the complete performances of the top-15 corps live to select movie theaters nationwide.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
Future Music Educators' Experience
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: 9 a.m.
About: If you are a college student currently majoring in music education (undergraduate or graduate level), you can attend the 2017 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.
Corps Warm-Up Zone
Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., downtown Indianapolis
When: Approximately 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 presented by Earasers Musicians Earplugs
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: Starting at $29 in advance
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.
Watch live on FloMarching.com
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 2017 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 Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni Corps, who comes to Indianapolis this summer in celebration of Vanguard’s 50th golden anniversary.
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 2017 — corps members who have dedicated their time, passion and hard work to the drum corps activity over many years.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
Street Beat 5K
Where: Starting line in Military Park, 601 W. New York St., downtown Indianapolis
When: 8 a.m.
Admission: $45 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. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the ongoing research and efforts of the Marching Music Health and Wellness Project. The 5K course will start at Military Park and end at Lucas Oil Stadium.
SoundSport International Music & Food Festival
Where: Pavilion at Pan Am, downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m. to 4 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 2017, 20 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 an intimate 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.
DrumLine Battle on Georgia Street
Where: Pan Am Plaza and Georgia Street, downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: As part of the SoundSport International Music and Food Festival, Downtown Indy will be bouncing to the rhythm of massive DrumLine Battles the morning and afternoon of the DCI World Championship Finals. DrumLine Battle is a live, high-energy, entertainment-focused competition for marching percussion ensembles. 16 lines are expected to be on hand including those of DCI drum corps, scholastic and independent groups and international teams. Who will throw down and become the next DrumLine Battle Champion? Be there to find out!
INpact Indiana's Future Band
Where: Pavilion at Pan Am, downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
About: More than 500 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!
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 p.m. (Gates open for Kick Start attendees at 2:30 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.
Corps Warm-Up Zone
Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., downtown Indianapolis
When: Approximately 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 2017 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.
World Championship Finals Ceremonies
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: 4:55 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 2017 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 approximately 5:30 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
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: Gates open to Festival Marketplace at 3 p.m., Ceremonies and special performances beginning at 4:55 p.m., First corps steps off at 6:30 p.m., Awards ceremony at 10:15 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $39 ordered in advance
About: The top-12 drum corps will compete for the last time in 2017 for the chance to be named World Champion and to affix their corps’ name to the DCI Founders Trophy.
Watch live on FloMarching.com
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