With heat warnings and advisories in effect for the coming week in many locations throughout the Southwestern United States, Drum Corps International will proactively delay the start time of a number of upcoming events in an effort to avoid extreme temperatures and to safeguard performers, stadium staff, adjudicators and spectators.
“While we have anticipated the extreme climate conditions in Texas and other parts of the country throughout our tour planning cycle over the past year, real-time adjustments are still necessary," said DCI CEO Dan Acheson. "Ultimately, corps members are excited to perform for their enthusiastic fans in the Southwest. Our goal is to take every reasonable measure to ensure they can do so safely and that staff and audience members alike remain safe too."
In addition to weather considerations, event staff members are also navigating local sound ordinances and the unique safety requirements facing each participating ensemble relative to their respective compliance with USDOT driver hour requirements in delaying start times.
Spectators are encouraged to hydrate and take necessary precautions for the heat. Performing corps have been working with their respective health and wellness teams to employ aggressive cooling strategies throughout rehearsal days as they’ve been preparing for their upcoming shows.
Currently-affected events and their revised start times:
DCI Broken Arrow
Presented by Oklahoma Baptist Univ. Athletic Bands
Broken Arrow, OK | Tuesday, July 18
Revised start time: 8:20 p.m. CT
Stadium gates open: 6:30 p.m.
Additional notes: Outside water bottles are not permitted in the stadium. Public drinking fountains are located on the stadium concourse and concession stands will be fully stocked with water for purchase.
DCI Abilene
Abilene, TX | Tuesday, July 18
Revised start time: 8:20 p.m. CT
Stadium gates open: 7 p.m.
Additional notes: Sealed water bottles are permitted to be brought into the stadium.
DCI Austin
Round Rock, TX | Thursday, July 20
Revised start time: 8:20 p.m. CT
Stadium gates open: 7 p.m.
Additional notes: Sealed water bottles are permitted to be brought into the stadium.
DCI Denton
Presented by Stanbury Uniforms
Denton, TX | Thursday, July 20
Revised start time: 8:20 p.m. CT
Stadium gates open: 7 p.m.
Additional notes: Sealed water bottles are permitted to be brought into the stadium.
DCI Houston
Tomball, TX | Friday, July 21
Revised start time: 8:20 p.m. CT
Stadium gates open: 7 p.m.
Additional notes: One sealed water bottle per person is permitted to be brought into the stadium.