Event Information

 

VMBC and the Spirit of Freedom Marching Band welcome you to the 2026 VMBC Freedom Showcase at Freedom High School.

 

Check-in/Registration: Please check in with the registration volunteer upon your arrival. This means before parking the buses. Check-in will be near the warm-up fields (Southernmost entrance off of Riding Center Drive). It will be labeled with a 10’ sign.

 

Arrival: Your band should arrive at least 1 hour and 20 minutes prior to your scheduled performance time. You have scheduled arrival times, but all groups are welcome to come sooner.

 

Warm-Up Areas: There are 2 warm-up areas that are pre-assigned. If you arrive early you may do visual warm-ups in an open space on campus. Please do not play instruments outside of designated warm-up times. Please be respectful of other groups by entering and leaving your warm-up areas at the appropriate times.

 

Pit Parking: Pits will load and unload in the southside parking lot. It is labeled on the site map. Please plan on moving trucks after your post-performance loading is complete.

 

Bus Parking: Please stop at the registration tent before parking.

 

Gate Time: Your band must be at the band entrance gate 10 minutes prior to your scheduled performance.

 

Field Surface: Synthetic Turf

 

Awards Ceremony: Drum Majors and/or Band Representatives should assemble for the Awards presentation at the band entrance gate before the last band performs (see schedule). Awards will be given for the top three bands in each group and the top visual, music, GE, percussion, and guard in each group.

 

Concessions: Concessions will be available in the stadium during the event.

 

Tickets: Admission is $12. Youth ages 5-11 cost $6 and Seniors 60+ cost $6. Children 4 and under are free.

 

Feeding your Band: Due to local ordinances no tailgating or grilling of any kind is permitted on the campus or in the surrounding area.

 

Rain Plan: In the event of inclement weather VMBC and the Freedom Showcase Event Coordinator will contact directors with delay, standstill, indoor performance or cancellation scenarios.

 

Staff/Adult Access into Stadium: You will receive a Band Director Badge and your instructors, pit crew, and chaperones (at a chaperone-to-student ratio of 10-1) will receive wristbands upon arrival for entrance into the stadium. All other adults must purchase a ticket to enter the stadium as a spectator.

 

Entry to the Stadium Following the Performance: Your band members, bus drivers, pit crew, and chaperones (at a chaperone-to-student ratio of 10-1) are invited into the stadium after their performance free of charge. Entrance for band members in uniform, or in a group if out of uniform is through the main gate. While in the stadium, the band members are to sit in groups, with appropriate supervision. Bands may be asked to move to the visitor bleachers if paying supporters cannot find home side seating.Spectator Parking:

 

Spectator Parking will be in the Freedom High School parking lot. If band staff are driving separately, they may park in the spectator parking.

 

First Aid: We will have an athletic trainer on site if you need assistance.

 

Restrooms: Restrooms will be available through the main entrance of the school and in the stadium.

 

Video: You are welcome to record your performance but the press box is for judges only.

 

Please explain these guidelines to your staff, students, and supporters prior to the event.

 

We appreciate you!