The WGI Color Guard World Championships is the premier showcase for winter color guard. The event is produced by WGI Sport of the Arts which also produces the WGI Percussion and Winds World Championships on a separate weekend. The WGI Championships typically draw 15,000 participants over two weekends, including more than 350 color guards and 250 percussion ensembles from 40 states and 5 countries.
The color guard contest features preliminary rounds in six classes of competition, providing opportunities for units at all levels of expertise, from beginning to advanced. Scholastic units draw members from the same high school. Independent units draw members who are not necessarily affiliated with a particular school. Top scoring units in each division advance to the Finals round, where medals are awarded to the top three finishers.
WGI is focused on education and provides curriculum materials for classes in equipment, movement and design. WGI also provides a full educational program for instructors and judges. The organization promotes higher education by annually awarding $20,000 in academic scholarships to student performers. Winter guard and indoor percussion are the fastest growing of the marching arts, and high school marching bands benefit from the skills developed in these winter programs.
• Online: Tickets are available at WGI.org/tickets.
• By phone: The box office is open Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Eastern) at 866-589-7161.
• By mail: Visit WGI.org to download a ticket order form.
Tickets are also available at the door on the day of the show.
• WGI offers a state-of-the-art live action webcast where you can watch the Championships competition — all days, all sites, all shows! For subscription information, visit WGI.org/webcast.
• The Expo Tent — located just outside the spectator entrance — is your one-stop shop for the latest merchandise from WGI partners and sponsors and the place to buy your World Championship souvenirs.
• No video cameras are allowed inside the arenas.
• Small, non-professional, single frame "point & shoot" cameras are allowed into all venues. However, use of "Professional Cameras" are prohibited, unless the user has appropriate media credentials and prior written approval from Winter Guard International. Any camera that has a detachable lens or lens that extends to four (4) or more inches is considered a "Professional Camera" and thus prohibited. As safety is paramount to all performers, any type of flash photography is strictly prohibited. Family, friends and fans may take still photos of WGI events for personal use only. The images may not be sold or otherwise distributed or publicly displayed without the written permission of Winter Guard International. WGI defines public display as a web site, printed publication or physical location where the public at large can gain access to one or more images of a WGI participating group in performance. Tripods or other similar equipment that may obstruct the view or path of travel of others in the stands are also not allowed.
Note that as of 2019 WGI is using a new format where color guard and percussion A classes will begin prelims on Wednesday and their finals will be Friday evening.
WGI Sport of the Arts is the governing body for the indoor color guard, winds and percussion activities. Hosting regionals, culminating with World Championships in April, WGI is the premier organization for pageantry and education. The Sport of the Arts brings music to life through competitive performance, creating a positive and exhilarating experience for everyone involved. For more information visit WGI.org.