Participant Band Information

• Single Session Tickets: $20 (excluding Ticketmaster fees)
• Double Session Tickets: $35 (excluding Ticketmaster fees)
• Double Session Ticket Options: Sessions 1/2, 2/3, and 4/5
• No admission charge for children ages two and under sitting in a lap.

Week 1: November 4, 5, 6

Session 1: 5A Prelims (Monday morning/afternoon/evening)
Session 2: 1A Prelims/5A Finals (Tuesday morning/afternoon)
Session 3: 1A Finals (Tuesday evening)
Session 4: 3A Prelims (Wednesday morning/afternoon)
Session 5: 3A Finals (Wednesday evening)

Week 2: November 11, 12, 13

Session 1: 6A Prelims (Monday morning/afternoon/evening)
Session 2: 2A Prelims/6A Finals (Tuesday morning/afternoon)
Session 3: 2A Finals (Tuesday evening)
Session 4: 4A Prelims (Wednesday morning/afternoon)
Session 5: 4A Finals (Wednesday evening)

• Performance schedules for each session are posted here.
• Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion at the doors. The Box Office will open 75 minutes prior to first performance of the day and doors will open 45 minutes prior to the first performance.
• Visit the Alamodome Box Office or Ticketmaster to purchase tickets and see all venue-related policies.

• Each band will receive ten (10) complimentary administrator PRELIMS tickets in LOT C.
• Each finalist band will receive ten (10) complimentary administrator FINALS tickets at the finalist director meeting.
• Superintendents will receive two (2) PRELIMS, two (2) FINALS tickets, and a VIP pass for two upon arrival at LOT A.
• Superintendents will park in LOT A.
  • If the VIP parking is full in LOT A. Overflow parking is available in LOT C.
• Building administrators will park in LOT B.

• Parents/adults assisting with a band’s performance will not need a ticket, as they will enter with the band through the participant entrance.
• These individuals are encouraged to wear apparel that represents their participating school.

• The VIP Viewing Area is on the ML floor of the Alamodome.
• Access will be limited to:
  • School administrators (and their guests) with VIP passes and ticket.
  • Band directors or instructional staff with VIP passes and credentials.

• The Alamodome has specific rules and regulations regarding what can be brought into the facility. More information can be found on the Alamdome website.
• ONLY CLEAR BAGS ARE PERMITTED INTO THE ALAMODOME (See Alamodome website).

• A limited amount of spectator parking will be available adjacent to the Alamodome in LOT B. (See the ALAMODOME OVERVIEW MAP)
• Spectator parking rate is $15.00 and is subject to change. Parking rates are set by the City of San Antonio. There are no in and out privileges.
• There is no onsite parking available for spectator buses.
• Once these lots are full spectators must find parking elsewhere. There are numerous public parking lots west of I-37 in the vicinity of the Convention Center. These lots will open each morning approximately 2 hours prior to the start of the contest.

• Each band will receive five director credentials to be picked up from UIL event staff upon arrival at LOT C.
  • Other directors and essential personnel may enter field level for the performance without a credential.
  • Staff without a credential may also enter as spectators with the band and chaperones. (See Below: Stadium Entry When Not Performing)

• Permits must be purchased in advance ($100/bus) for each bus when registering.
• All bus permits will be available electronically in Competition Suite under the resources tab.
• Permits must be printed by each participating school prior to arrival at the venue and placed in the front window of each bus.
• Participant band bus parking will be in LOT C. (See the LOT C MAP)
• A UIL staff member will be available at the entrance to LOT C to assist with any questions.
• Please have the name of the band visible in the front window of each bus, which will improve the speed of entrance into the lot.
• Buses should be unloaded as quickly as possible, while utilizing a minimum amount of space.
• Buses that choose to leave after dropping off students for the contest should have a back-up offsite parking plan in the event the bus lot is full upon return.

• Permits must be purchased in advance ($100/equipment truck) for each equipment truck when registering.
• Permits will be available electronically in Competition Suite under the resources tab.
• Permits must be printed by each participating school prior to arrival at the venue and placed in the front window of each truck.
• Equipment trucks and trailers will load and unload in LOT A
• LOT A is located immediately to the south of the Alamodome and adjacent to the field entry tunnels. (See the LOT A MAP). Entry to this lot is located at Chavez Street and Emilio Navaira Street.
• All equipment trucks from a school should arrive together.
• Due to limited space, equipment trucks will be permitted in LOT A only at each school’s designated times (including departure), as indicated on the master schedule.
• The lead driver will be required to sign in and give the UIL official a cell phone number to be contacted if necessary while on Alamodome property.
• No accompanying personal vehicles will be permitted entry into LOT A at any time.
• MONDAY when not in LOT A all equipment trucks must find parking off site.
• TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY when not in LOT A, all equipment trucks from schools competing on THAT DAY may park in Lot C, space permitting. If space in Lot C is not available, drivers must find parking off site.
• 5A and 6A non-finalist equipment trucks may NOT park in Lot C on Tuesday.
• NO UNLOADING OF 5A and 6A EQUIPMENT TRUCKS AT ANY TIME IN LOT C.
• The City of San Antonio does not allow overnight parking in Alamodome lots.

• To be assembled in LOT A in the vicinity of each school’s equipment trucks.
• Move to the loading dock area at the time indicated on the master schedule.
• Moving props to the loading dock area prior to the scheduled time is NOT PERMITTED.
• To facilitate flow all props should be assembled prior to moving into the loading dock area.

• You are welcome to provide food and beverages (sack lunches, energy bars, etc.) for your band in LOT C. However, these items must be brought in with you and consumed on the buses.
• Caterers and concessionaires are not permitted to deliver food to Alamodome property.
• Setting up a mobile kitchen or catering station is also prohibited.
• There is no public access to water in the parking lot area.
• If a band wishes to hydrate before or after performance you must provide your own beverages.
• Savor, Inc. is the exclusive catering service for the Alamodome. They provide all food and beverage services for both the Convention Center and the Alamodome. You may arrange for the use of their services by contacting them directly.
• NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES MAY BE BROUGHT INTO THE ALAMODOME.

• Bands are encouraged to arrive at the contest site in uniform.
• If band members need changing facilities they may use public restrooms located in the Alamodome near the South Entrance on the Plaza Level (participant entrance).
• A limited number of portable restrooms will also be available in the parking lots.

• Winds and battery percussion will warm-up INSIDE on a 45-minute schedule in the assigned areas (A, B, or C) indicated on the master schedule.  
• These groups will depart warm-up and proceed to the SW entry tunnel 10 minutes prior to arrival time. (See the FIELD LEVEL MAP)
• DUE TO LIMITED SPACE AND SAFETY CONCERNS WATER JUGS OR BATTERY PERCUSSION STANDS MAY NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE ALAMODOME, THE LOADING DOCK AREA, OR ANYWHERE IN LOT A.
• Disposable water containers are permitted. Each band is responsible for removing their trash upon leaving warm-up.

• Front ensemble will warm-up in LOT A in the assigned areas (A, B, or C) as indicated on the master schedule and on the LOT A MAP.
  • Small front ensembles may warm-up inside with the battery percussion, subject to space restrictions and event staff approval.
  • Door size for warm-up rooms are 33 ½ ”(w) x 6’9” (h)
• Front ensembles will depart warm-up and proceed to the SE entry tunnel at the times indicated in the master schedule.

• Color guards will warm up on a 45-minute schedule and have the choice of warming up:
  • Outside on the North Plaza
    • If utilizing the outdoor area, guards will enter the building via the Montana Street ramp from the North Plaza.
  • Indoors (no tossing) with the winds and percussion.
  • Indoors in the multi-purpose room at the north end of the tunnel (no tossing).
• Guards will not have a guide and will therefore be solely responsible for following the master schedule, including arrival at the SW entry tunnel at the designated times. (See the LOT A MAP and FIELD LEVEL MAP)

• If weather becomes a threat to normal operations all front ensembles will warm-up in the loading dock area in a manner that does not disturb the performance on the field.
• Color guards may warm-up on the 5th floor upper-level concourse or with the winds and percussion.
• In the event of severe weather conditions on-site warm-up time may be limited. BE PREPARED!
• The UIL will comply with the Alamodome directives regarding inclement weather (ex. lightening protocol, wind advisory etc.), which may include a delay to the contest schedule.

• See the FIELD LEVEL MAP for field entry locations.
• Each field entry tunnel is approximately 13’ high and 20’ wide.
• All props and equipment must fit through these portals.  

• There will be one quad electrical box located on the front and back sidelines at the 50-yard line to use at your own risk.
• Generators are permitted, provided there is a protective barrier between the power unit and the turf.
• Any wireless frequencies operated by the Alamodome will be sent via email to the participant bands prior to the contest.

• The field will have standard NCAA field markings that are consistent with Texas high school football field markings. Specific dimensions are as follows:
• Distance from bottom of numbers to the sideline – 21 ft.
• Distance from top of number to the sideline – 27 ft.
• Length of hash marks – 2 ft.
• Distance from hash marks to sideline – 60 ft.
• UTSA Athletic Logo at mid-field. Conference Logo on each 25 yard line.

• See the FIELD LEVEL MAP for logo placements and live streaming microphone/camera placement.

• Motorized vehicles may be used to move equipment. The Alamodome prefers that all carts be battery operated.
• Gas powered carts are permitted but MUST utilize a protective cover to prevent oil or fuel leaks from dripping onto the turf. Vehicles improperly equipped will be denied access to the field.

• Each school that has completed the “Marching Band Educational Use Video Agreement” here is permitted one camera in the camera deck area during its band’s performance.
• The filming area is located on the 3rd level in the UPPER PORTION of Section 313 out of the line of site from the live streaming contractor.
• Access is via the elevators located at mid-field on the press box (east) side of the dome. Media credentials are not required for access to this area.
• DIRECTORS, PLEASE DISCOURAGE FILMING FROM THE SEATS BY YOUR FANS.

• Photography will be provided by Jolesch Enterprises, who has exclusive contractual rights as a UIL sponsor.
• Only photographers with UIL-issued media credentials will be permitted on the field. Note that this process requires the request be submitted through the UIL website PRIOR TO THE EVENT. (See MEDIA below)
• Parents assisting with the moving of equipment do NOT have photography clearance.

• To request media credentials for any state championship event, you must fill out the online credential request form. Credential request forms may be found on the UIL Website.
• Media outlets and school credential requests must identify school(s) they are covering in their credential request.
• Media must park in Lot B or find parking off-site.
• Credentials will be picked up on site in LOT A.

• The announcement will occur with 45 seconds remaining on the 5-minute set-up clock.
• Please see the script template and note that no deviations will be accepted.

• Each band will receive ONE Director Audio Pass (DAP) to admit ONE staff member to the designated area in LEVEL 2 (Club Level) of the press box to communicate any electronics adjustments to the student operating the sound board.
• NOTE: ONLY the staff member with the DAP will be permitted to enter the press box when their band’s 5-minute field entry clock begins and must depart when the 2-minute field exit begins.

• The clock procedures will be as follows. Official time will be kept on the Alamodome clock.
• By UIL rule the announcement for each band’s performance will begin with :45 remaining on the 5:00 clock. Please plan accordingly.
  • The 5:00 minute clock will begin when the first student or pit crew member crosses the goal line, marked with yellow tape off sideline (front ensemble, props, alternates, drum major, or any other person deemed a part of the performance team).
  • When the 5:00 minute clock shows :45 the announcement will begin.
  • When the 5:00 minute clock shows :20 the clock will be reset to show 8:00. The remainder of the 5:00 set-up time will be kept on a stopwatch in the press box.
  • The 8:00 minute clock will begin when the full 5:00 minutes of set-up time expires.
  • Judges will be instructed to not begin judging until the 8:00 minute performance clock shows 7:59.
  • The 2:00 minute field exit clock will start when it is apparent to the clock operator that the show is over.
• If a band does not wish to wait on the field for the 5:00 minute clock to reach :45 the band may hold in the end zone for a desired amount of time while the 5:00 minute clock runs.
• NOTE: C&CR Section 1107(e): Any band that leaves the field in less than five minutes or fails to complete its performance in eight minutes shall be disqualified. 

• For contests utilizing the five-judge system (1A/2A/3A)
  • All judges will be located in the press box.
• For contests utilizing the seven-judge system (4A/5A/6A)
  • The percussion judge and the visual individual judge will be located on the front sideline and up to six feet onto the field.
  • The remaining five judges will be located in the press box.

• After performing in Prelims each band will clear the field to the south (same end of the field where you entered) and proceed into the stands adjacent to the south end zone for photos.
• Bands will then proceed to the plaza level where there will be a limited amount of time to purchase photos and exit the Alamodome to return to the buses and/or equipment trucks as indicated on the master schedule.
• Equipment may be TEMPORARILY stowed in the loading dock area during the group photo. Immediately after the photo session all equipment must be removed from this area. (See the FIELD LEVEL MAP)
• Photos will not be taken at Finals.

• At the conclusion of each performance (Prelims and Finals) during the field exit UIL will conduct a brief on-camera interview on the front sidelines with one director and/or one or two students.
• This interview will be broadcast live on the video board in the Alamodome as well as on the streaming service.
• Please designate which individuals will participate and have them go immediately to the interviewer at the conclusion of the performance.

• Stadium entry when not performing is complimentary for all performing bands and will be via the SE metal doors “Participant Entrance” located up the stairs on the Plaza Level above the field entry tunnels.
• Bands must enter as a group in order to use this entrance.
• Chaperones will also use this entrance.
• Entry through other gates will require a ticket.
• There is a Clear Bag Policy in place for the Alamodome. (See Above: ALAMODOME RULES AND REGULATIONS)
• The Alamodome will provide some leniency to the clear bag policy for the bands and directors who enter through the SE metal doors. However, we encourage you to only bring items that are necessary.
• Participating bands will be allowed entrance to Prelims and Finals for all event days, even on a non-performance day.
• With the exception of 5A and 6A Prelims (Monday), SPACE PERMITTING, a bus of students who perform on a different day will be permitted to park in LOT C by displaying their UIL-issued permit.
• Due to space limitations any 1A/2A/3A/4A band wishing to attend 5A/6A Prelims (Monday) must drop-off the group on Cherry Street next to Lot C and have the buses find parking off site.

• There will be a drum major retreat at the conclusion of the Prelims for each conference.
• Each band will be recognized in performance order.
• Drum major(s) will report to the SE tunnel prior to the last Prelims performance in each conference. 

• At the conclusion of the Prelims for each conference there will be a director meeting in the Production Room during which a representative(s) of each competing school will have the opportunity to review the Prelims tabulation recap.
• NOTE: DUE TO LIMITED SPACE 5A/6A BANDS ARE ASKED TO LIMIT ATTENDANCE TO TWO REPRESENTATIVES PER SCHOOL.
• Directions: Take the elevator at mid-field on the Press Box side of the Alamodome to the Field Level.  When you exit the elevator turn right and then take a second, immediate right. Proceed towards the tunnel.  Then turn left at the hallway intersection. You will see Production Room on the left. (See the FIELD LEVEL MAP)
• Directors of bands NOT advancing to Finals will receive their band’s participation plaque.
• Directors of bands advancing to Finals will meet to review performance times and procedures.

• At the conclusion of the performance by the last band in each conference Finals there will be an on-field full band retreat of all finalist bands for awards and celebration of achievement.
• Placement of finalist bands during retreat will be announced in reverse order of finish.
• Detailed retreat information will be distributed to Finalist band directors at the director meeting at the end of Prelims.

• Non-Finalist Bands (director picks up in the meeting at end of prelims)
  • Plaque
• Finalist Bands in Each Conference (excluding top 3 places) (presented at retreat)
  • Finalist Trophy
• Top 3 Finalist Bands in Each Conference (presented at retreat)
  • 3rd Place Band in Each Conference: Bronze Medalist Trophy and Bronze Medals
  • 2nd Place Band in Each Conference: Silver Medalist Trophy and Silver Medals
  • State Champion in Each Conference: Gold Medalist Trophy and Gold Medals

• Patches and apparel will be sold on-site by licensed UIL sponsors, who are solely responsible for those products.
• Any questions related to this merchandise must be sent directly to those sponsors, whose information can be found here.