Drum Corps International is pleased to welcome the historic French Lick Resort to its growing family of strategic partners as the presenting sponsor of the DCI Tour Premiere. The season-opening competition will kick off DCI’s more than 100-event summer tour, taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on June 23.
The spectacular AAA Four-Diamond facility was named USA Today’s Best Historic Hotel in its 2015 “10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards, and has become a leading family destination in the U.S. heartland.
The sprawling complex in French Lick and West Baden Springs, Indiana, boasts championship golf courses, world-class spas, Vegas-style gaming, horseback riding and numerous activities for kids. Painstakingly restored, the historic hotel facilities embody old world opulance and charm with upscale, modern amenities worthy of their numerous honors.
“We’re delighted to enter into this partnership with Drum Corps International,” said Joe Vezzoso, VP/French Lick Resort. “We hope that fans will stay an extra day and make the drive down from Indianapolis to visit us while they’re in town for the DCI Tour Premiere or the DCI World Championships.”
As part of the sponsorship deal, Drum Corps International will host its board of directors and voting membership business meeting at the resort in September. “Realizing that DCI is a leader in marching music, we’re confident that other groups will learn that we’re an outstanding place for meetings, conferences, and seminars,” Vezzoso said.
The late Star of Indiana drum corps founder and DCI Hall of Fame member Bill Cook is credited with saving the historic facilities of French Lick Resort in the early 2000s. Cook’s son Carl, now the president of the company his father founded in Bloomington, Indiana, is a former member of the Colts drum corps, which kindled the interest in Bill to start Star of Indiana.
“I’m ecstatic that we could put this together!” said DCI Hall of Fame broadcaster Steve Rondinaro who serves as marketing manager for the resort complex. “Bill Cook saved these magnificent, historic hotels at French Lick Resort, spearheading their restoration. I’d love for more drum corps fans to see them and share this part of the Cooks’ remarkable legacy. We’re proud to be supporting the corps of DCI through this partnership.”
“Drum Corps International and French Lick Resort have a long history of bringing families together through quality experiences,” said John DeNovi, DCI’s Senior Director of Business Development. “We look forward to working together to develop new and innovative ways to engage our fans whether it be under the lights of Lucas Oil Stadium or relaxing at the historic resort just a short drive from Indy.”
“While folks are here they’ll have to learn about the legend of the horn blowing, percussion playing angels hidden above the West Baden Springs Hotel atrium,” added Rondinaro. “They’re a great source of mystery.”