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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

Marching Band Championships

Overview

The Illinois State Marching Band Championships is the state’s premiere invitational event hosting forty-two high school marching bands in preliminary and finals competition. Participating bands are divided into the six classifications determined by the Illinois High School Association school enrollment. Bands are evaluated by the leading clinicians in music education and enjoy the thrill of performing to packed crowds at the incredible Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University!

Illinois State Marching Band Championships logo

Event Details

  • Event Information

    DATE: Saturday, October 21, 2023 – Gates open at 6:30 a.m.

    LOCATION: Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University

    TICKETS: Tickets are $15.00 for all day admission including both prelims and finals. Children 5 and under are admitted free. No advance ticket sales. Tickets can only be purchased at the Hancock Stadium ticket windows.

    2022 Spectator Guide

    CLEAR BAG POLICY: ISMBC will adhere to the Hancock Stadium clear bag policy from Illinois State University Athletics.

    NO TRIPOD POLICY: No tripods will be allowed in Hancock Stadium. Performance video can be purchased through BOX5-TV or at the Box 5 booth in the concourse.

  • Event Registration

    Registration is currently full. 

    2023 Participant List coming soon.

    Register

Official Merchandise

The official Illinois State Marching Band Championships tshirts, hoodies, and participant patches can be purchased on the day of the event in the concourse of Hancock Stadium. Band booster organizations and individual participants are highly encouraged to pre-order these items for pick up at the event. Apparel and participant patch pre-order is available in mid-September and closes in mid-October.

Live Stream

A livestream of the entire competition is available through BOX5-TV.