Each BAND is event specific. Join the 2026 BAND here.

• BOA staff will be on hand to meet you and give your drivers parking instructions
• There is no eating, warm-up, or stretching allowed in the parking lots
• BOA does NOT provide bus driver hospitality areas

PERFORMANCE PARKING

• The Bus and Truck parking lot is directly west of the stadium. Enter via W 12th St.
• The earliest vehicles may enter is 2 hours prior to performance, as indicated on the prelims schedule.
• Vehicles must exit the parking lot 1 hour and 15 minutes after the start of your performance, unless otherwise indicated on the schedule.

NON-PERFORMANCE PARKING

• Parking while not in performance is available on the west end of campus (see Site Overview Map)
• Please enter via N Franklin Ave

• Location: west end of the bus and truck parking lot 
• Opens 30 minutes after the first parking lot arrival time. See Prelims Schedule.
• Each band must check in to receive their check-in packet (final schedule, participant segment patches, and event credentials) and complete the Pre-Draw for Finals

• Restrooms: limited number of restrooms for changing are avilable in the stadium spectator area (please enter via the band re-entry gate.
• There will be a number of portable restrooms in the bus and truck parking lot, west of the stadium.

• It is the responsibility of each band to ensure proper hydration of its members throughout the duration of the event.
• Water bottle filling stations are available in the band warm up area, just east of the stadium.

Bands of America defers to the weather policies and safety protocols of the facilities in which we operate. On-site updates will be provided via the BAND app for this event.

BAND WARM-UP

• LOCATION: east of the stadium (Walton park)
• SURFACE: grass
• Separate area for pit percussion
• Groups MUST report to their assigned warm-up at their scheduled time, as BOA doesn’t provide guides. Late arrivals cannot extend their time.
• BOA staff will monitor time and direct groups to the gate, providing 15 and 5-minute warnings. Groups must exit by the end of their time, starting to move out at 2 minutes.
• New groups can enter as the previous one exits, following BOA staff directions.
• Warm-up/rehearsal on-site is only allowed during the assigned time and location.

BATTERY

• LOCATION: with the band in the Band Warm-Up Area
• SURFACE: grass

PIT PERCUSSION

• LOCATION: circle drive of the Hooper Eblen Center, west of bus/truck parking
• SURFACE: paved
• Pit percussion moves to the gate 15 minutes before band report time.
• Pit percussion can warm-up with the band, though it’s not recommended due to the distance and terrain.

WIRELESS SYSTEMS AND ELECTRONICS

• Wireless microphone transmitters, wireless networks, and audio and/or lighting control devices may not be used in warm-up areas.
• Wired instruments, including guitars, keyboards etc. may be used in warm-up at reasonable volumes or while not amplified.

• A small repair kit and limited number of instruments will be available at Band Check-In.

The full entrance sequence and announcement examples are listed in the BOA Adjudication Handbook.

THE SEQUENCE

At the Gate: Band arrives at the gate per schedule (no band guides). Explain your setup to BOA Staff for clarity and to address potential issues.

Goal Line: Just before pre-set, we’ll move the band to the GOAL LINE. BOA staff will countdown the start of your 4 minute set-up time.

Take the Field: 4 minutes before show time, enter the field as rehearsed (drum taps, pre-show music, etc.). Short warm-ups are allowed within this time. All setup (props/staging) MUST be within these 4 minutes.

• Props: Rehearse field entry with prop movers for a smooth performance day. No extra time for prop movement/assembly.
• Front Ensemble: A BOA official will coordinate this entrance at the same time as the band entrance.

Announcement: At 3 minutes 15 seconds (of the 4 minutes), the announcement begins. BOA Staff can cue your drum major(s) for the announcement and salute (optional).

• Note: The BOA announcement does NOT ask, “Is your band ready?”

Perform: Begin after the announcement. All adults must be off the field at this time.

Clear the Field: You have 2 minutes after your show to clear the field – all props, personnel, and parents.

• BOA’s prop rules apply regardless of venue’s gate and tunnel dimensions. See Adjudication Handbook.

BAND, PROP AND PIT PERCUSSION FIELD ENTRY

• Front Side 1
• 15′ wide gate with no heigh restriction

• Both NCAA/Texas High School & Traditional High School Field Markings
• NCAA/Texas High School markings: white, 60’ from the front and back sidelines and 40’ apart.  These are marked every yard.
• High School field markings: yellow, 53’4” from the front and back sidelines and 53’4” apart. These markings will be placed every five yards.
• Livestream microphones will be placed 1 foot outside the 15-foot line on the 35 and 50-yard lines

• LOCATION: Top of the lower spectator seating section, at the 50-yardline
• ROUTE: Field level stairs at either endzone

• LOCATION: Judges will be located in or on top of the press box
• Adjudication Panel Biographies are posted online on the event’s Spectator Guide. Caption assignments will be released on event morning at Band Check-In.
• All scores and recaps will be released after the Finals Awards Ceremony.

• PRELIMS: This is a Drum Majors ONLY ceremony.
• A Finalist Directors Meeting will be held right after Preliminary Awards. Drum majors are encouraged to attend. You’ll receive the finals schedule, field passes, and Finals Awards information.
  • LOCATION: Building K, Gymnasium
• FINALS: full band Olympic-style retreat.
• Class champions not advancing to finals are invited to perform in exhibition and the Finals Awards.
• Read the Awards Ceremony Walkthrough.
• Finale Staging Map (PDF)

• LOCATION: Students should enter as a group at Band Re-Entry (main spectator gate). See Site Overview Map.
• Students receive wristbands at band check-in for spectator entry (Prelims AND Finals)
• Groups coming back to watch will be asked to sit on the Visitor Side.
• Only clear bags and emergency bags will be permitted.

Jolesch Enterprises will be on-site taking action photos on the field level and awards photos. Ordering information is available online at joleschenterprises.com.

• Outside food and beverage are NOT allowed to be brought into the stadium.
• LOCATION: grass field east of the stadium. (see Site Overview Map)
  • part of the field used for band warm up will be designated for picnic.
• The stadium will be cleared, and concessions will be closed during the dinner break between Prelims and Finals.
• Food Delivery: There will be a designated food delivery drop-off zone accessible via Victoria Street, at the front of the school. Bands getting food delivered should prepare to meet the drivers here and bring their food to the picnic area.