The DCI World Championships will return to Indiana Aug. 4-9, 2014.
The 2014 Drum Corps International World Championships, Aug. 4-9, 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, more than 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. But the World Championships are more than 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," before another summer season is written into the history books. The week kicks off in Michigan City, Indiana, with the Open Class Prelims and Finals Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 4 and 5. Events will then move to Indianapolis, beginning with the DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue and Kickoff Party and Hall of Fame Induction on Wednesday, Aug. 6, before the action moves into Lucas Oil Stadium Aug. 7-9, for three incredible days of competition. Bookmark this page, as we'll be updating this guide throughout the week of the Championships with additional events and new information that becomes available!
New and notable for the 2014 World Championships:
- Open Class Excitement: Michigan City's Ames Field in Northwest Indiana will once again host the Open Class World Championship over two days of competition.
- New Name, Same Game: The DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue (formerly the Individual & Ensemble competition) will take place in a festival-like outdoor atmosphere on Georgia Street in downtown Indy.
- Battle On: Saturday morning and afternoon on the day of the World Championship Finals, downtown Indianapolis will be rockin' with SoundSport and DrumLine Battle performances, as these two exciting events find a new home on Pan Am Plaza along with food trucks, exhibitors and more!
- Marvelous Middle Schoolers: DCI will once again present the INpact Indiana's Future Band made up entirely on Indiana middle school musicians. Special guest performers will include drum corps' very own Al Chez and an all-star cast of alumni from the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band!
- Live Learning: DCI will host educational events for high school students and for future music educators on the day of the World Championship Finals.
- Pack Your Running Shoes: The Street Beat 5K comes to downtown Indy's beautiful Canal Walk the morning of Saturday, Aug. 9.
Jump to day:
Eastern time zone unless otherwise noted.
MONDAY, AUGUST 4
Ames Field will host both nights of the Open Class World Championship on Mon., Aug. 4 and Tue., Aug. 5.
Where: Ames Field, 2501 Franklin St./State Route 421, Michigan City, Indiana When: Event starts at 4 p.m. CT Admission: $15 general admission About:
In its seventh year in Michigan City, the Open Class Prelims will kick off all 2014 World Championship events. Taking place at Ames Field, an intimate stadium built with drum corps in mind, this event will feature all participating Open Class corps. Buy tickets to this event.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5
The 2014 Open Class World Champion will be named Tuesday, Aug. 5 in Michigan City.
Where: Ames Field, 2501 Franklin St./State Route 421, Michigan City, Indiana When: Event starts at 6 p.m. (CT) Admission: $25 reserved, $15 general admission About:
The DCI World Championships continue on Tuesday, Aug. 5 as the 12 top scoring Open Class corps from the Open Class Prelims compete for the title of World Champion. Buy tickets to this event.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6
Individuals and ensembles will have their time in the spotlight during the DCI Performers Showcase on Wed., Aug. 6.
Where: Georgia Street, Downtown Indianapolis When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free and open to the public About:
With a new name in 2014, the DCI Performers Showcase presented by System Blue (formerly the Individual & Ensemble Competition) will give members of World and Open Class drum corps, in addition to SoundSport and DrumLine Battle teams, the opportunity to show their individual and small group talents in an up-close setting. This year's event will once again be held outdoors in a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere on Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis, with color guard performances inside at the Indianapolis ArtsGarden. Learn more about this event. Hall of Fame Kickoff Party Where: Historic Union Station, 39 Jackson Place, Downtown Indianapolis When: 9:30 p.m. Admission: Access to the ballroom is free and open to the public 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 2014, 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, an award administered by a committee of Hall of Fame members. Learn more about the 2014 Hall of Fame inductees.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
Competition gets underway at Lucas Oil Stadium the morning of Thurs., Aug. 7.
Where: 110 W. Washington St., Suite C (Northwest corner of Illinois and Washington Streets, below Panera and Weber Grill), Downtown Indianapolis When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free and open to the public About:
Stop on by and have a chat with Drum Corps International employees while taking a tour through the DCI corporate headquarters in downtown Indianapolis. Be sure to make a stop at the Percussive Arts Society's Rhythm Discovery Center which is located right next door. Corps Warm-Up Zone Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Downtown Indianapolis When: Early morning until last performing corps warms up Admission: Free and open to the public About:
Come see your favorite corps warming up before their competitive Prelims performances at historic Military Park, 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.
The Festival Marketplace at Lucas Oil Stadium has the latest merchandise and souvenirs from DCI corps and more.
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis Marketplace Hours: 9:30 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 awaiting. 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. World Championship Prelims Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis When: Gates open at 9:30 a.m., first corps steps off at 10 a.m. Admission: Tickets start at $25 About:
2014 marks the sixth anniversary of World Championship events at Lucas Oil Stadium. In addition to the performances of all 22 World Class groups, Open Class corps will also be invited to compete at this all-day event, featuring more than 35 corps. Buy tickets to this event. Big, Loud & Live 11 Cinema Event Where: More than 600 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. Celebrate the "best of the best" as Drum Corps International presents its 2014 World Championship Prelims on the big screen! Presented by DCI and Fathom Events, "Big, Loud & Live 11," will be broadcast from Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium bringing you the complete live performances of the top 15 corps and highlights from throughout the day. Learn more and find a theater near you!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
Military Park is where fans can watch their favorite corps warm-up before competing at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Where: 110 W. Washington St., Suite C (Northwest corner of Illinois and Washington Streets, below Panera and Weber Grill), Downtown Indianapolis When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free and open to the public About:
Stop on by and have a chat with Drum Corps International employees while taking a tour through the DCI corporate headquarters in downtown Indianapolis. Be sure to make a stop at the Percussive Arts Society's Rhythm Discovery Center which is located right next door. Corps Warm-Up Zone Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Downtown Indianapolis When: Approx. noon 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 Warm-Up Zone 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 in 2014 is located throughout the main stadium concourse leading from the stadium's east entrance to the seating areas.
2014's graduating corps members will be recognized on the field following Friday night's Semifinals competition.
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: Tickets start at $25 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. Buy tickets to this event. Age-Out Ceremony presented by the U.S. Army Music Program & Awards Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis When: Following Semifinals performances Admission: Included as part of admission to the Semifinals About:
With the help of the U.S. Army Music Program, Drum Corps International honors the graduating class of 2014 – corps members who have dedicated their time, passion and hard work to the drum corps activity over many years in this special ceremony. Also recognized will be the Hall of Fame Class of 2014 and other corps member scholarship recipients. DCI World Championships After-Party Where: Omni Severin Hotel, 40 W. Jackson Place, Downtown Indianapolis When: 11 p.m., following the Semifinals event Admission: Free and open to the public. Food and drink available for purchase. About:
The beautiful Omni Severin will be the site of the DCI World Championships After-Party following the Semifinals competition at Lucas Oil Stadium. Open to all fans, music and entertainment will be abound to make this a celebration you wont want to miss!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
The Street Beat 5K is a brand new event kicking off the final day of World Championships competition.
Where: Canal Walk, Downtown Indianapolis When: 7:30 a.m. About:
A brand new event to the DCI World Championships week of festivities, the Street Beat 5K will give runners and walkers the opportunity to start the morning of Finals Day bright and early to support their favorite corps. Participants will be able to choose which drum corps or local marching band they'd like to support when registering, with 50 percent of the proceeds from designated registrations going directly to their selected organization. Learn more about this event. 2014 Future Music Educators' Experience Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis When: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. About:
If you're a college student currently majoring in music education (undergraduate or graduate level), you can attend the 2014 DCI World Championship Finals for free! You'll experience the event inside and out, kicking off the day with motivational speaker Fran Kick, DCI Hall of Fame member Michael Cesario and a series of marching music education insiders. Learn more about this event. SoundSport Indianapolis Where: Pan Am Plaza, Downtown Indianapolis When: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission: Free and open to the public. About:
One of Drum Corps International's newest performance programs, SoundSport showcases ensembles of any age, size and instrumentation in an intimate performance atmosphere. Seven SoundSport teams are scheduled to compete in Indianapolis, with performances taking place on Pan Am Plaza, a wide-open area bordered by Union Station and steps from Georgia Street and Lucas Oil Stadium. 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. Learn more about SoundSport.
DrumLine Battle returns to Georgia Street Sat., Aug. 9, for a high-octane in-your-face throw down of epic proportions.
Where: Georgia Street and Pan Am Plaza, Downtown Indianapolis When: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission: Free and open to the public About:
In the afternoon prior to the start of the World Championship Finals, downtown Indy will be slamming to the rhythm of a massive DrumLine Battle. DrumLine Battle is a live, high-energy, entertainment-focused competition for marching percussion ensembles. More than 20 lines will be on hand including those of DCI drum corps, local groups and international teams from Canada, Colombia, Thailand and more! Who'll throw down and become the next DrumLine Battle Champion? Be there to find out! Learn more about DrumLine Battle. Kick Start Leadership Workshop Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis When: 3 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. Corps Warm-Up Zone Where: Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Downtown Indianapolis When: Approx. 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 2014 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 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 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 top 12 corps will perofrm one last time Saturday night for their chance to take home the Founders Trophy.
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis When: Preceding the Finals competition Admission: Free with admission to the Finals About:
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 Night Orchestra, and an alumni group from the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. World Championship Finals Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Downtown Indianapolis When: Gates open to Festival Marketplace at 3:30 p.m., Awards Ceremony is at 10:30 p.m. Admission: Tickets start at $35 About:
The top 12 drum corps will compete for the last time in 2014 for the chance to be named World Champion and affix their corps' name to the DCI Founders Trophy. Buy tickets to this event. View the lineup and performance times for this event. 
