Illinois State Marching Band Championships

Event Details

• Event Information

  DATE: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Gates open at 6:30 a.m.

  LOCATION: Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University

  TICKETS: Tickets are $23.00 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. All seating is general admission – spectators are encourage to arrive early to the event.

  Visit the ISMBC Spectator Information page

  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 Fee is $650 for 2026.

  Registration will open February 27, 2026 at 6 a.m.

  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.