Welcome back to the Chops blog.  We’re busy gearing up for the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships this week, held right here in Indianapolis!  It takes place all this week, at Lucas Oil Stadium and surrounding areas.  The competition inside Lucas Oil isn’t the only thing to see.  There are many events throughout the week, most of which are free and open to the public!

Here’s our basic guide to help you take in some of the action.

Drum Corps Competitions

Monday, August 8:  Open Class Prelims – Ames Field (Michigan City, IN)

Tuesday, August 9:  Open Class Finals – Ames Field (Michigan City, IN)

Thursday, August 11:  World Class Prelims – Lucas Oil Stadium

Friday, August 12:  World Class Semi-finals – Lucas Oil Stadium

Saturday, August 13:  World Class Finals – Lucas Oil Stadium

Ticket prices vary by event.  See DCI Tickets for details.

See the DCI day-by-day guide for more information.

Individual & Small Ensemble Competition (Performers Showcase)
Wednesday, August 10, 10am-4pm
Georgia Street
Free!

SoundSport International Music & Food Festival (Food Trucks!)
Saturday, August 13, 11am-3pm
The Pavilion at Pan Am Plaza
Free!

DrumLine Battle
Saturday, August 10, 11am-3pm
Georgia Street & Pan Am Plaza
Free!

Corps Warm-Up Zone
The show before the show!  Get up close to your favorite drumline or front ensemble as they warm-up and prepare for their performance.
Daily, Thursday-Saturday, depending on the contest schedule
-Military Park (Drumline warm-ups). Shuttle bus will run between Lucas Oil and Military Park.
-Parking lots around Lucas Oil (Front Ensemble warm-ups)
Free!

Come visit us at the Vic Firth booth!

We’ll be running the Vic Firth booth, so if you’re attending any of the events inside the stadium, make sure to stop by and say hi!  We’ll also have special show pricing on Vic Firth sticks, practice pads, stick bags, t-shirts, and many other items.  It would be a great time to try out the Vic sticks and pads and take something home!

For more information on events, schedules, venues, ticket sales and more, visit the DCI Website.

If you go, let us know what you think on our Facebook page! If you wear a Chops Percussion shirt, post a pic with one of the drumlines in the background to our Facebook or Twitter page and drop by our booth for a free pair of sticks!