The San Antonio Alamodome
The Drum Corps International Tour will once again head deep into the heart of Texas, as DCI's World Class corps compete at the San Antonio Alamodome on Saturday, July 21. The 2012 Southwestern Championship will be the first time during the 56-day summer tour that all World Class corps compete as part of single lineup, marking one of only two events before the World Championships in Indianapolis (Atlanta on July 28 being the other) that this will happen. Among other highlights of this event will be an inaugural performance by the Jersey Surf at the Alamodome in what will be the corps' very first trip to the state of Texas in its 22-year history. Since coming out as a World Class unit in 2009, the corps has typically followed a tour schedule that keeps it closer to its New Jersey home at this midpoint of the summer season. "This will be another milestone for the Jersey Surf organization," Executive Director Bob Jacobs said about his group. "Our ability to meet up with the rest of our World Class brethren in Texas is very exciting for everyone on our team."

Highlights from the 2011 DCI Southwestern Championship.

Also included as part of the all-day event, will be performances by Open Class groups including Edinburg, Texas-based Genesis. Like the Jersey Surf, the Oregon Crusaders of Portland also will be making their debut in 2012 at the Alamodome. Tickets for the DCI Southwestern Championship will go on sale to the general public beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, April 9. Ranging in price from $30 to $55, tickets will be available through Ticketmaster online (Ticketmaster.com) and by phone (800.745.3000). A discounted $20 ticket rate will be available to groups of 20 or more by calling the DCI Box Office at 317.275.1212. For those making their San Antonio trip into a true weekend getaway, don't miss the World Class Individual & Ensemble Competition (I&E) when it returns to downtown San Antonio's Sunset Station on Sunday, July 22, the day following the Southwestern Championship at the Alamodome. I&E, which is free and open to the public, gives corps members who have perfected solo and ensemble pieces outside of regular rehearsal schedules to show off their talent. Along with traditional brass, percussion and visual categories, the annual competition also offers performance opportunities for woodwind playing corps members and vocalists. Learn more about purchasing DCI Southwestern Championship tickets.