Introduction
The Drum Corps International World Championships Finals, more commonly known as DCI Finals, is one of the most exciting live events for drum corps fans. Taking place every August, DCI Finals represents the culmination of the summer touring season for Drum Corps International’s top corps. With elaborate costumes, incredible musicianship, and spectacular visual design, DCI Finals features a level of pageantry and performance unmatched anywhere else in the marching arts activity.
For drum corps fans, attending DCI Finals in person is a bucket list experience. However, with tickets selling out quickly each year, many wonder just how much securing a seat at Finals costs. While the ticket prices vary based on seating section and package options, most single seats can be purchased for $65-$85 per Finals ticket. However, it’s important to act fast once tickets go on sale, as the best seats tend to sell out quickly for this popular event.
Ticket Options for DCI Finals
DCI offers several ticket options and packages for fans looking to attend the World Championships Finals. Here is an overview of the major ticket choices:
– **Single Day Finals Ticket** – Single day tickets allow you to attend Finals on that day only. These provide access to a reserved seat in a specific seating section for the Finals performances on either Friday or Saturday. Prices range from $65-$85 per ticket depending on seat location.
– **Two-Day Finals Ticket Package** – A two-day package gets you reserved seats to both the Friday and Saturday Finals performances. This option ranges from $130-$170 total.
– **VIP Experience** – DCI offers VIP options for premium views and perks like private restrooms, lounges, and complimentary food/drinks. VIP packages start around $199 per seat for one day up to $378 for a two-day VIP experience.
– **Ultimate Fan Pass** – All-access packages allow you to sit in different sections each day and include extras like a lanyard and emailed recordings of the performances. The full two-day Ultimate Fan Pass runs around $299.
Where to Buy DCI Finals Tickets
DCI Finals tickets can be purchased through the following primary sources:
– **DCI Website** – The best place to buy authentic tickets is through the official DCI online box office at dci.org. This is where you can find all available ticket options.
– **Phone** – You can order DCI Finals tickets over the phone by calling the DCI box office at 317-275-1212. Ticket office representatives can walk you through the available seating and packages.
– **Third-Party Resellers** – Platforms like VividSeats, SeatGeek, and StubHub also resell DCI Finals tickets, often at inflated prices. Use caution when purchasing through unauthorized third parties.
When Do Tickets Go On Sale?
DCI Finals tickets typically go on sale to the general public around April each year through the DCI website and phone lines. However, there are opportunities to get earlier access:
– **Pre-Sale Offers** – Subscribers to DCI newsletters and social media followers may get access to special pre-sale offers before the general on-sale date.
– **Travel Packages** – Booking through official DCI travel partners allows you to secure tickets bundled into a hotel and tour package months before public sales open.
– **Season Pass** – Purchasing an annual DCI Fan Network season pass gives you exclusive priority access to Finals tickets before anyone else.
Tips for Getting the Best Seats
Because DCI Finals sells out completely every year, it pays to prepare if you want the best experience:
– **Get tickets early** – As soon as tickets go on sale, hop online and secure seats in your desired section before they’re gone.
– **Buy at least two-day tickets** – Opting for a two-day package gives you Friday and Saturday seats, doubling your chances at better views.
– **Aim for the 50 yard line** – Center seats around the 50 provide the most head-on perspective for evaluating corps’ formations.
– **Check the seat map** – Carefully examine the Lucas Oil Stadium seat chart before purchasing tickets to understand sightlines.
– **Join DCI’s fan club** – Members get first dibs on seats during presales before the general public has access.
Ticket Prices for DCI Finals in Recent Years
To give a sense of typical Finals ticket costs, here is an overview of prices in recent years:
Year | Single Day Ticket Range | Two-Day Ticket Package Range |
---|---|---|
2022 | $65-$85 | $130-$170 |
2021 | $60-$80 | $120-$160 |
2020 | $60-$80 | $120-$160 |
2019 | $50-$70 | $100-$140 |
As shown, single-day tickets have ranged from about $50-$85 over the past few years, while two-day package prices have spanned approximately $100-$170. VIP options cost more on top of these base ticket prices. Overall, prices have trended slightly upward over time, so fans can generally expect to pay marginally higher prices from year to year for the in-demand DCI Finals experience.
Estimated Ticket Costs for 2023 DCI Finals
Although 2023 ticket pricing has not yet been officially announced, based on recent years we can make some educated guesses at what to expect:
– **Single Day Tickets** – Most likely $65-$90 per seat
– **Two-Day Ticket Packages** – Approximately $130-$180 total
– **VIP Experience Add-Ons** – Ranging from $200 for one day up to $400 for two days
– **Ultimate Fan Passes** – Around $300 for the full two-day pass
Of course, it’s impossible to know for certain what 2023 will bring in terms of pricing until DCI releases tickets. But fans can use the recent historical pricing trends to set reasonable expectations when budgeting. As always, earlier purchasers will have access to better seat locations at face value before limited supplies sell out.
Other Costs to Factor In
Beyond just your event tickets, attending DCI Finals requires accounting for other costs such as:
– **Travel expenses** – Airfare, rental car, gas, parking, etc. Keep in mind Indianapolis is the annual location.
– **Lodging** – Hotel rooms near Lucas Oil Stadium for the duration of your stay.
– **Food** – Meals and snacks at the stadium, nearby restaurants, etc.
– **Merchandise** – DCI programs, shirts, souvenirs and more are available for purchase on-site.
While each fan’s budget will vary, it’s reasonable to expect spending $1,000 or more per person when you include ancillary Finals weekend expenses along with tickets. Planning ahead helps minimize surprises and ensure you can enjoy DCI’s pinnacle event.
Saving on DCI Finals Tickets
For fans looking to secure the best value on DCI Finals tickets, here are some money-saving tips:
– Take advantage of early bird pricing and pre-sales for the lowest ticket cost.
– Sit in upper level end zone seats for the most budget-friendly ticket options.
– Join the DCI Fan Network for special members-only ticket discounts.
– Find promo codes online for percentages off your Finals order.
– Split travel packages and hotels with friends to lower per-person costs.
– Bring your own snacks and supplies to avoid stadium concession markup.
Is it Worth Paying for DCI Finals Tickets?
Given the costs involved, is attending DCI Finals worth it for the average drum corps fan? For those able to budget and plan accordingly, the resounding answer is yes!
Some key reasons it’s worth paying for admission to this beloved event:
– Chance to experience top groups’ full 2-hour competitive productions
– Electric atmosphere with thousands of passionate, enthusiastic fans
– Witness winter percussion champions crowned in Indianapolis
– Celebrate season’s end with corps at their performance peak
– Rub elbows with drum corps royalty from DCI Hall of Fame members to fan favorites
– Make memories to last a lifetime as part of the marching music community
For any drum corps lover, being there in person when DCI crowns its next World Champion is a one-of-a-kind bucket list thrill that’s absolutely worth the required investment.
Conclusion
Attending the Drum Corps International World Championships Finals live is a highlight for many fans each summer. While full costs including travel and lodging may run over $1,000 per person, the reasonable base price of around $65-$90 for single-day tickets and $130-$180 for two-day packages makes the spectacular performances accessible to most with proper planning. Given the unmatched experience of DCI Finals, the money and effort spent is well rewarded by joining the marching arts’ most enthusiastic community for this beloved annual tradition.