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Updated plan features 30 events across 15 states in July and August

By Ken Martinson, Marching.com Founder

INDIANAPOLIS (March 31, 2021) — Drum Corps International unveiled today a "Celebration Tour" which represents a significant expansion to its previously announced plan for a single weekend of events in 2021. Although details are tentative and subject to change due to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer season is expected to run July 24 to August 14.

The tour is designed to have regional starting points to help corps develop safe and efficient paths to Indianapolis. The schedule kicks off in Southern California with two events featuring four corps on July 24-25. Seven Midwestern corps debut July 30 in La Crosse, Wisc., while five corps from the South and East debut August 3 in Quincy, Mass. The season finale is scheduled for August 12-14 in Indianapolis.

Events will be held in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.


DCI's 2021 "Celebration Tour" will culminate with events at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on August 12, 13 and 14.

A total of 21 corps are currently registered for the Indianpolis weekend, encompassing 17 world class and 4 open class units:
• The Academy
• Bluecoats
• Boston Crusaders
• Blue Knights
• Blue Stars
• Cadets
• The Cavaliers
• Colts
• Colt Cadets
• Crossmen
• Genesis
• Gold
• Heat Wave
• Madison Scouts
• Mandarins
• Music City
• Pacific Crest
• Phantom Regiment
• River City Rhythm
• Spirit of Atlanta
• Troopers

Five additional corps (The Battalion, Golden Empire, Guardians, Impulse and Watchmen) are planning to participate in tour events taking place within their home states.

During a Zoom call with sponsors and strategic partners today, DCI Executive Director Dan Acheson explained that the summer tour is non-competitive. This gives corps the freedom to create programs without the restrictions of typical competitive rules, and reflects the reality that corps are still following health and safety guidelines that vary by region. Corps will likely produce shorter field shows, and might supplement their performances with additional material or ensembles.

"The Indianapolis series of events is a celebration, not a championship," Acheson said. "Corps have a shortened time to prepare, and this format allows them to present what is best for them."

DCI is already preparing for a return to a full summer tour in 2022 which will coincide with DCI's 50th anniversary.


The Bluecoats are among the corps participating in DCI's 2021 Celebration Tour.


For more information visit DCI.org/news.

Related information on Marching.com: 2019 DCI World Championships Photos.


Photos by Marching.com.

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