DCI to move to Indy - Finals on a semi-perminant stay

A big announcement today by DCI. They're moving their national headquarters to Indianapolis, IN. Even more interesting is the announcement that they will hold the DCI World Championships at the yet-to-be-completed Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis, IN each year (with one exception) from 2008 until 2011.

Here are some pertinant facts:

• Lucas Oil Stadium is replacing the RCA Dome stadium, home of a annual Regional Competitino and many Bands of America competitions.
  
• Lucas Oil Stadium will feature a retractable roof.
• Indianapolis, IN is within one day driving distance from 75% of the country.
• Historically, DCI World Championships were held in a different stadium each year or two.

My reactions? Mixed.

While this may be a good business move for DCI Corporation, I think this is a blow for DCI fans and participants. There is something of a feeling of ownership and nostalgia to world championships performer. The show they present the night of finals of a culmination of months (and sometimes years!) of effort. There is a notion of "leaving it on the field" meaning, giving your all to perform your best. "The Field" becomes holy ground. After the closing ceremonies of a DCI World Championship, people depart, knowing that it may be 10 years before another World Champtionships will be held there. For those 10 years, that field belongs to those participants. No longer.

I believe this will also hurt the PR value that DCI gets from hosting it's finals in cities all around the country. Ask people around you if they know what DCI (or Drum Corps is). Most don't. Holding finals in Texas, Florida, Wisconsin, California etc, is extemely beneficial in spreading the word. The hoosiers will be intimate with DCI, but it will remain in obsecurity for most of the rest of the country.

Individual Corps traveling routes will chang as a result of this as well. Because finals are in a different place nearly every year, the mix of shows that a corps attends during the months leading to finals varies. Will we see a settling of routes and shows around the country? Will there still be as many small-town shows available as there are today?

I can't help but feel a little like DCI has sold out here. It seems that the Indy Chamber of Commerce has DCI in it's hip pocket. It was remarked during the Press Conference that this event should generate $10,000,000 for Indianapolis tourism each year.

No need to anticipate an announcement that finals will be held somewhere near you any longer (unless of course you live in the midwest.)

I did think of one positive thing that might result from this announcement. The midwest lacks a bit of interest when it comes to Drum Corp, Marching Band and Colorguard. Maybe we'll see a few more corps pop up in the midwest.

I love Indiana having lived there for a few years, and I think this is a great thing for Indy. But, I'm not sure it's the best thing for DCI.

Read some FAQ's about this announcement at DCI.org