What is an ideal stadium for a big corps show?

[wolfgang]

What is the ideal stadium for a big corps show,? This isn't intended as another thread about moving Finals.

Rather, of all stadiums in North America you're aware of, whether they have ever hosted a show, would be out of DCI's budget, or DCI hasn't thought of having a show there, what would be the ideal stadium offering the best potential fan experience?

Things to consider may include sight lines, sound, seating capacity, the concourse, ADA issues, concessions, enough bathrooms on the home side, parking, flow for the corps, or other stadium issues not mentioned (even indoor/outdoor).

Are there any hidden gems out there?

[TheOneWhoKnows]

I haven’t been to a ton of stadiums, but I definitely feel the corps sound way better in the Mercedes Benz stadium compared to Lucas oil.

[Terri Schehr]

I think Memorial Stadium in Bloomington was just about my favorite place to watch a show.  But it is outside and we know what the Midwest is like in the summer.   I also liked Papa John’s stadium in Louisville. I don’t think DCI has held shows in either location for a long time though.

The Hall of Fame stadium in Canton is very good. And as I have said before, the show is so well run that it’s enhances the experience. 

[cfirwin3]

In spite of the problems with reverb, fully enclosed professional ball stadiums are ideal, as shows easily rain out.  This year was a total gamble for ticket holders and there are no refunds.  Apart from that issue any stadium with an upper deck is good for classically visual shows (about half of the shows this year).  But I think that a stadium devoid of a large track and field apparatus is also best so that the lower deck is closer to the action.  Some stadiums have a chasm of space between row 1 and the sideline.  This improves all of the seating outside of the 45s, but it greatly diminishes the blast zone tickets.

Edited August 23, 2025 by cfirwin3

[Terri Schehr]

1 minute ago, cfirwin3 said:

In spite of the problems with reverb, fully enclosed professional ball stadiums are ideal, as shows easily rain out.  This year was a total gamble for ticket holders and there are no refunds.

I’ve been so lucky. No rainouts at outdoor shows in four years up here.   They were saying it would rain in Mason all day. Nope. Beautiful evening. 

[ColaPanther]

1 hour ago, cfirwin3 said:

In spite of the problems with reverb, fully enclosed professional ball stadiums are ideal, as shows easily rain out.  This year was a total gamble for ticket holders and there are no refunds.  Apart from that issue any stadium with an upper deck is good for classically visual shows (about half of the shows this year).  But I think that a stadium devoid of a large track and field apparatus is also best so that the lower deck is closer to the action.  Some stadiums have a chasm of space between row 1 and the sideline.  This improves all of the seating outside of the 45s, but it greatly diminishes the blast zone tickets.

+1 

And I'd like to add that sitting out in the summer heat for hours (for big shows) doesn't appeal to me. When I lived in the southeast years ago, the Atlanta show was the highlight of my summer every single year. But I honestly don't think I would've gone even once to the outdoor venue they use now. I get it, the acoustics tend to be better. Just not my vibe. For a fall marching band show? Yeah, sure. But for summer drum corps? Nope. 

[Jeff Ream]

the one that doesnt bankrupt DCI.

[drumcorpsfever]

9 minutes ago, Jeff Ream said:

the one that doesnt bankrupt DCI.

Funny, but true. 

After having experienced Canton's HOF Stadium, this one! The football village is an added bonus. What an awesome place! Great acoustics and sight lines!

[greg_orangecounty]

Premium stadiums aren't available on August weekends.  They're hosting events that bring in much more money than Drum Corps.  We're lucky to have LOS all things considered.

But in an alternative reality I would say So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles.  It's beautiful, if you can get past the $12 hot dogs and $18 beers. 

[Chief Guns]

23 minutes ago, greg_orangecounty said:

Premium stadiums aren't available on August weekends.  They're hosting events that bring in much more money than Drum Corps.  We're lucky to have LOS all things considered.

But in an alternative reality I would say So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles.  It's beautiful, if you can get past the $12 hot dogs and $18 beers. 

SoFi Stadium (aka Levi's Stadium South) is a really nice stadium. 

Sorry brother but as a Niners fan, I had to get that dig in there as us Niners fans take over SoFi every year lol. It's an extra home game for us lol.