Welcome to Kenneth J Dobson Stadium and Joel Hicks Field

Welcome to the Cougar Band Classic! To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators, please follow these stadium guidelines.

• Smoke-Free Campus: This is a smoke-free campus. Smoking, vaping, and any tobacco products are strictly prohibited on school grounds, including the stadium.
• No Tailgating: No Grills, open flames, or gathering in parking areas is allowed.
• Outside Food and Drink: Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Concessions will be available inside the stadium for your convenience. Refillable water bottles are allowed.
• Child Supervision: Children must not run around the stadium unsupervised. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Unaccompanied students who are not in high school will not be admitted to the stadium, even with a purchased ticket, unless they are with a parent or guardian. Parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring their children’s behavior for the duration of the event.

• Tickets: All spectators must purchase a ticket to enter the stadium. Tickets can be bought online in advance or at the gate (subject to availability).
• Re-entry: Re-entry is only allowed with a valid hand stamp or wristband obtained upon exit.
• Lost Tickets: Lost tickets cannot be reissued; please keep your ticket until you exit the stadium.

• Bag Policy: Only clear bags are allowed inside the stadium. Small clutch bags (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5") are permitted without a clear bag.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, drugs, outside food and drink, tobacco products, pets (except service animals), and items that could obstruct others’ view are not permitted.
• Security Check: All guests and belongings are subject to search upon entry.

• Reserved Sections: Certain sections may be reserved for VIP or school administration; please respect all designated seating.
• Sportsmanship: We promote positive support for all bands. Inappropriate language or disruptive behavior is prohibited and may result in removal from the stadium.
• Noise Control: During performances, please remain quiet and refrain from using noisemakers, whistles, or any other disruptive devices.

• Altercations: If you are involved in any altercation or disruption, you will be removed from the event and banned from attending all athletic events for the remainder of the season, or longer.
• No Horseplay: No ball playing, running around, or horseplay is allowed inside the stadium during events. Violations will result in immediate removal, with no exceptions.

• Concessions: Concessions are available throughout the event. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are located at the east and west ends of the stadium. Please help keep facilities clean for others.

• Personal Use Only: Photography and videography are permitted for personal use. Flash photography is prohibited as it may distract performers.
• Media/Press: Any media or press representatives must obtain permission from event organizers prior to the event.

• Medical Assistance: First aid is available near the Louisa P Chrisley Fitness Center. If you or someone else requires assistance, notify an event staff member immediately.
• Emergency Exits: Emergency exits are clearly marked. Please take note of these locations and follow instructions in case of an emergency.
• Weather Delay: In the case of inclement weather, please listen for announcements from the stadium PA system for instructions. Updates will also be posted on the band app for competing schools, and on this website and Facebook for the general public.

• Limited Roadways: Only specific areas are open to vehicle traffic. These closed roadways are for the transport of equipment to and from the field ONLY. Pedestrians must stay off roadways whenever possible.
• Parking: Parking is available in designated areas. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
• Drop-Off: A drop-off zone is located at the main entrance. For safety, vehicles must not idle in this area.
• Handicapped Parking: If needed, handicapped parking spaces will be made available upon request. These areas are within the "no traffic" zone, and will require staff assistance to access these spaces.

• Lost Items: Lost items will be held at the main entrance. Unclaimed items after the event will be held at the school office for two weeks before disposal.

• Weapons of any kind, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, laser pointers, large signs or banners, umbrellas (which may obstruct views), and noise amplifiers.

Thank you for adhering to these guidelines and helping us make the Cougar Band Classic a memorable experience for all! Enjoy the performances!

For new guests, and as a reminder for returners, we wanted to post a few guidelines for competition etiquette. Competition days can be overwhelming for everyone and sometimes the little things get overlooked.

One of the most important parts of a band show is the audience. There are many types of spectators at a band show and they have many different reasons for coming to the show. Each band performing at a competition event has their own story to tell. Some come from large schools, others come from small schools. Some have overcome odds just to have a marching band in which to participate. Some may have experienced difficult setbacks, while others are experiencing their most positive marching season ever.

Regardless of each band’s particular circumstances, every student who takes the field has made the choice to use music, color, and motion an art. As parents, boosters, and spectators, we each have a responsibility to recognize those efforts by simply being a good audience.

It is also important to realize that although it is fun to visit with family and friends during a contest, it is unfair to distract other spectators from enjoying the show. This is true at any performance, including a marching band performance. Be respectful of all other spectators and hopefully they will extend you the same courtesy.

Things you should DO:

•  Be supportive of each and every band. Be considerate during each band’s performance and show your appreciation for their hard work by your hearty applause at the end of every band’s performance as well as when they take the field for competition.

•  Show up early. This is especially true for supporters of larger class bands. Many smaller class bands have great shows. Arrive early at the next show and see what you have been missing.

•  Turn off (or at least put on vibrate) your cell phone. If you receive a call during a performance, wait until that performance is over before returning the call.

Things you should NOT do:

•  DO NOT talk during the performances. Show respect for the bands and the spectators around you by not talking during a performance.

•  DO NOT allow children to play in the stands and distract other spectators. Obviously, children are the future of this activity. It is good for them to see why big brother and big sister are always at practice and are not at home. However for their safety and as a courtesy to others they should not be allowed to run up and down steps and play in the aisles so others may enjoy the show.

•  DO NOT leave or return to your seat during a band’s performance. Wait until a performance has ended before moving about. You will only need to wait 15 minutes, at the most, before the next break. There is sufficient time between bands to move in and out of your seating area.

•  DO NOT obstruct the view of others. Please avoid standing in front of people trying to watch the show. If you have a banner to display, try to do so from the top of the stands or in some way that others can still see the bands.

•  DO NOT call out students' names when the band takes the field. Instead, stick to the traditional, “Go PC! Go Band! Go Cougars!” cheer that will bring attention to the entire ensemble.

•  DO NOT, do not, do not boo other bands or the contest results during the awards. Unfortunately every one is not going to agree on contest results. Booing the award winners or the judges will not accomplish positive results. 

Hopefully these tips will make your experience more enjoyable as you cheer your favorite band on and support all the performers of this amazing art form.