Grand Nationals Weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium Begins

Indianapolis, IN — The Grand Nationals weekend has officially begun, marking the culmination of the 2025 Bands of America season. Over one hundred marching bands from across the country are gathering at Lucas Oil Stadium for a weekend filled with competition and excitement.

The event kicks off early Thursday morning with the first day of preliminaries. Bands will compete throughout the day, showcasing their talents in front of thousands of cheering fans. This year, the competition is particularly fierce as groups come off a thrilling San Antonio Super Regional.

Fans can look forward to three full days of performances, with preliminary rounds continuing into Friday morning. The schedule features multiple ensembles performing every fifteen minutes, starting with Murphysboro High School from Illinois at 7:00 a.m. and followed by many other talented schools.

“It’s all about the experience and the memories made,” says Natalie Shelton, an event organizer. “These kids work so hard all season long, and Grand Nationals is a celebration of their dedication and teamwork.”

Ensembles from states like Texas, Ohio, and Kentucky are among those expected to perform, bringing a range of musical styles and artistic presentations to the stage. As evening approaches, bands will display their hard work for the judges and audience alike.

For those eager to catch the excitement, be sure to check the schedule. Performances are slated to continue through Sunday, with awards presented at the end of the competition to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these young musicians.