On May 11, 2002, the Drum Corps International executive committee stated its support to host the 2003 DCI Eastern Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2, 2003 at the newly renovated J. Birney Crum Stadium. Drum Corps International's executive director, Dan Acheson recently visited with Allentown city and school district officials along with a tour of the renovations of the stadium still in progress. The City of Allentown and the Allentown School District expressed tremendous support for the return of one of DCI's most prestigious events, and with such support it made it easy for the DCI executive committee to make the decision to return to Allentown for the 25th year of the Eastern Classic. Drum Corps International would like to express its gratitude to Bob Bennett, long time and returning chairman of the DCI East committee, along with all the good people in the Lehigh Valley who have supported Drum Corps International. More information as it develops will be posted on the DCI website.