The 2019 Drum Corps International World Championships, Aug. 5-10, will mark a week-long celebration of the world's most elite marching music ensembles.
Featuring a high level of performance excellence coupled with an intense competitive spirit, 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. Adding to the entertainment in Indianapolis will be SoundSport and DrumLine Battle 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 the 16th-annual "Big, Loud and Live" cinema broadcast, before another summer season is written into the history books.
The action kicks off in Marion, Indiana, with the Open Class Prelims and Finals Monday and Tuesday, August 5 and 6. 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 7, before the action moves into Lucas Oil Stadium August 8-10, 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 2019 DCI World Championships
• Open Class action: The week of World Championship events will kick off in a new location in 2019, moving to the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, about an hour and a half north of Indianapolis.
• Individuals and ensembles: The DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue returns to the Indiana Convention Center and Indianapolis Artsgarden setting the stage for the best of drum corps' individual and ensemble performances.
• BANDtastic!: Some 500 Indiana middle school musicians will descend upon Indianapolis as members of the INpact Indiana's Future Band convene for two days of educational sessions, rehearsals and performances around the DCI World Championships. Teaming up with the INpact ensemble this year will be United Sound, an organization that creates performance opportunities for special needs musicians.
• The race is on from Lucas Oil Stadium: The sixth-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, Wellness & Safety Project. The route will once again get its start at Lucas Oil Stadium and end on Pan Am Plaza, site of the SoundSport International Music & Food Festival.
• SoundSport & DrumLine Battle continues to grow: The fourth-annual SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Motif Music and MuseScore returns to Indy as both SoundSport and DrumLine Battle teams get things going the morning and afternoon of the DCI World Championship Finals. The festival-like atmosphere will bring food vendors together with an incredible assortment of music and interactive entertainment.
• Visitors from home and abroad: A variety of ensembles will make their way to Indianapolis for a number of special performances. Be on the lookout for first-time visitors from Colombia, Costa Rica and the Republic of Ireland at the SoundSport International Music and Food Festival.
Jump to day:
Monday, Aug. 5 | Tuesday Aug. 6 | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | Thursday, Aug. 8 | Friday, Aug. 9 | Saturday, Aug. 10
Eastern Time Zone. Times subject to change.
MONDAY, AUGUST 5
Wildcat Stadium will sterve as the new home of the Open Class DCI World Championship Prelims and Finals in 2019.
Open Class Prelims
Where: Wildcat Stadium, 4201 S. Washington St., Marion, Indiana
When: Event starts at 4 p.m.
Admission: $20 general admission in advance
About: In a new location for 2019 on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University, the Open Class Prelims will kick off all World Championship events.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
The 2019 Open Class Champion will be crowned on Tuesday, August 6, in Marion, Indiana.
Open Class Finals
Where: Wildcat Stadium, 4201 S. Washington St., Marion, Indiana
When: Event starts at 6 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $20
About: The DCI World Championships continue on Tuesday, August 6, as the 12 top-scoring corps from the Open Class Prelims compete for the title of World Champion.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
Individuals and ensembles will be in the spotlight during the DCI Performers Showcase on Wednesday, August 7.
DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue
Where: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: Noon
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 its 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: Venue opens 9 p.m., induction ceremony starts 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 2019, 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.
A number of unique items and experiences are up for bid as part of this World Championships Week online auction. To set up an account and bid on an item text DCI19 to 52182.
View all auction details and items up for bid
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Scenic Military Park is the place to be to see brass and percussion warm-ups.
The Lot presented by Evans & Promark
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.
Learn more about Military Park
DCI Festival Marketplace
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
Marketplace Hours: 9 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.
Competition gets underway at Lucas Oil Stadium the morning of Thursday, August 8.
World Championship Prelims presented by GPG Music
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: Gates open at 9 a.m., first corps steps off at 10 a.m.
Admission: Starting at $29 in advance
About: 2019 marks the 11th year of World Championship events at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Prelims schedule includes a lineup of more than 35 World and Open Class corps.
Watch live on FloMarching.com (does not inlcude top 15 drum corps shown in movie theaters)
Big, Loud & Live 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" will bring the complete performances of the top-15 corps live to select movie theaters nationwide.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
The Festival Marketplace is located on the main concourse of Lucas Oil Stadium on way to all seating areas.
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 2019 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.
The Lot presented by Evans & Promark
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 Lot 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.
IN STEP: Women of DCI Reception and Networking Event
Where: Tavern on South, 432 W. South St., downtown Indianapolis
Hours: 2-5 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public (21 and over); RSVP and proper ID required
About: The IN STEP: Women of DCI committee, which focuses on the advancement of women in the drum corps activity, will host this social gathering as part of the DCI World Championships Week festivities. 21 and older to attend this even. RSVP and proper ID required.
RSVP to the IN STEP: Women of DCI reception and networking event
World Championship Semifinals presented by EARasers & InEarz Audio
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.
Age-out corps members will be recognized on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium at the conclusion of the DCI World Championship Semifinals.
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: Kicking off with a very special exhibition performance by the 2019 Open Class DCI World Champion, who will be named on Tuesday of Championships Week, a number of awards and presentations will be made at the conclusion of Friday night's competition including recognition of the 2019 DCI Hall of Fame inductees, DCI Volunteers of the Year, scholarship recipients and Performers Showcase Champions.
Age-Out Ceremony
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., downtown Indianapolis
When: Following Semifinals performances
Admission: Included as part of admission to the Semifinals
About: Drum Corps International honors the graduating class of 2019 — corps members who have dedicated their time, passion and hard work to the drum corps activity over many years.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Don't a slew of Indianapolis' gourmet food trucks in and around the SoundSport International Music & Food Festival.
Street Beat 5K
Where: Starting line at Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., 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 with a focus on fitness. Proceeds from this year's event will support the ongoing research and efforts of the Marching Music Health, Wellness, & Safety Project.
SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Motif Music and MuseScore
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. 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.
Saturday's DrumLine Battle showdown takes place on Pan Am Plaza in the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium.
DrumLine Battle presented by Motif Music and MuseScore
Where: Pan Am Plaza and Georgia Street, downtown Indianapolis
When: 11 a.m. to 3:30 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. Numerous lines are expected to be on hand including those of DCI drum corps, scholastic and independent groups and international teams.
Learn more about DrumLine Battle
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.
The interactive Kick Start Leadership Workshop will bring students onto the field of Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, August 10. 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.
The Lot presented by Evans & Promark
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 2019 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 2019 will compete on Saturday, August 10, 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:
• 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 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.
• As an annual tradition of the World Championship Finals, the Commandant's Own, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will 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 3:30 p.m., Ceremonies and special performances beginning at 5:30 p.m., First corps steps off at 6:30 p.m., Awards ceremony at 10:15 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $39 in advance
About: DCI's Top 12 will compete for the chance to be named World Champion and to affix their corps' name to the DCI Founders Trophy.
HELPFUL LINKS
Live World Championship webcasts