This Saturday, 48 bands take to the turf in Detroit for one of the four coveted State Champion titles. With 12 hours of performances, this is sure to be an exciting day!
A full schedule is available here.
Parking in Ford Field lots costs $6 per vehicle. Ford Field is located at 2000 Brush Street, Detroit, MI 48226. The Parking Deck near Gate G is located at 1902 St. Antoine Street, Detroit, MI 48226.
The day starts early, with Ticket Windows opening at 7:00 AM, and Gates opening at 7:15.
Ticket Sales will be CASH ONLY. The prices are as follows:
- Adults : $18
- Students & Seniors : $14
- Children 5 & Under : Free
Programs are available for purchase. We estimate that they will be about $6 each, with cash only sales.
Competition Order, Start Times, and Award Times are as follows:
- Flight IV 8:15 AM; A 11:15 AM
- Flight III 12:00 PM; A 3:00 PM
- Flight II 3:45 PM; A 6:45 PM
- Flight I 7:30 PM; A 10:30 PM
As always, please remember several things regarding Ford Field and MCBA State Finals:
Ford Field is a professional Football Stadium, and not one that was designed for Marching Band. As such, there is a lot of extraneous noise that occurs. Please do not add to this noise by holding conversations during any band performance. Additionally, at any point throughout the day, do not negatively criticize any band program. Every band that has qualified for MCBA State Finals has worked to get there, and deserves equal praise.
Additionally, much of the staff at Ford Field may not be familiar with a marching band event – if any staff member informs you that it is acceptable to enter the seating area while a band is performing, please let them know that it is seen as inconsiderate to the band and to fellow spectators. As many bands do not utilize their entire 11 minute performance window, and there are 4 minutes for a band’s entrance, there is plenty of time to enter in-between performances.
Additionally, during or immediately after awards, we strongly recommend a “down-and-in” entry system. Spectators seeking seating near the 50 may find it easier to enter nearer to the end zones and then move in toward the middle once the previous flight of spectators have excited. Allowing two sides of the stairs to move up rather than stall in motion will expedite the flight transitions for spectators.
We want to wish all the bands who qualified the best of luck on Saturday!
We also want to take a moment to welcome first-time qualifiers: South Lyon East, Muskegon Orchard View, and Howard City Tri-County.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter throughout the day for updates and scores.