CBA State Championships: Semifinals and Finals

In Semifinals, the scheduling will be a blind draw in groups of four based upon the ranking from those bands that advance from Quarterfinals and the top six seeds from Regional rankings. The six bands that received the bye will compete with the six bands that advanced from Semifinals. From these twelve competing bands, the eight highest scoring bands will advance to finals. This will apply to Class 4A as well as Class 5A. 

Finals competition is scheduled in reverse order of ranking from the Semifinal competition. At the end of Finals, a full band retreat occurs (weather permitting) with the awards presentation starting when all bands have assembled.

In odd numbered years, the 4A Class will perform first in Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals. In even numbered years, the 5A Class will perform first. 

All spectators should enter the Academy grounds via the North Entrance (Exit 156 off of I-25). This gate opens at 6:00 a.m. Drivers must produce a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. 

Please give yourself plenty of EXTRA TIME to go through security upon entering the base, to find parking, and make your way to the seating. All adults entering the base must provide photo ID, even if you are not driving. Please read the Important Notice below for more information on the NEW pre-registration process for base access. 

Only clear bags will be allowed into the AFA stadium. Please see the Parking and Other Details section below for more information.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

There is an added security measure in place for the Air Force Academy this year. Those 18 years of age and older who wish to attend the CBA State Championships at the Air Force Academy on October 24 and/or October 25 will need to complete one of the pre-registration processes below. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete this process!

US CITIZENS:

The base access link provided below is for anyone 18 years or older with a valid driver's license to obtain an entry pass that will be presented along with a REAL ID at the North Gate. All non-DOD ID holders that are 18 years or older (parents, family members, friends, etc.) must pre-register. 

Those who DO NOT need to complete the pre-registration process: DOD ID holders, anyone under the age of 18,  and those who have completed the link and received the approval message back.

Performing band students do not need to complete this process; however, ALL BAND STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THEIR STUDENT IDs IN THEIR POSSESSION.

Click HERE to access the Visitor Pre-Registration System. EVENT NAME: High School Marching Band Championships (20 Oct – 27 Oct). 

INTERNATIONAL GUESTS:

Non-US Citizens and International Guests will need to complete the EAL (Entry Authorization Letter) process to obtain an EAL access letter. These individuals will need to send a photocopy of their passport to Travis Oosthoek at the AFA Athletics office to obtain an EAL letter. Please include a reference to the Colorado State Marching Band Championships.

Tentative RV Competition Day Schedule:

Time TBD: Students arrive at RV

Time TBD: Food donations dropped off at RV

~10:45 a.m.: Props/Pit Volunteers and Uniform/Water Helpers arrive at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy

~12:45 p.m.: Semifinals Performance (5A performs in the afternoon in 2025)

~1:05 p.m.: Hospitality Servers meet at the hospitality trailer immediately after the performance

~1:45 p.m.: Lunch

4:00 p.m.: Drum Major Retreat (Semifinals)

9:30 p.m.: Full Retreat and Awards (Finals)

Time TBD: Students arrive back at RV

Time TBD: Parents to pick up students at RV

Ticketing Information:

Tickets can be purchased in advance via the GoFan website/app. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate via credit card ONLY. You can buy advance tickets for this event here.

Semifinals Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $19

• Students/Seniors (65+): $15

• 9 and under: FREE

Finals Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $20

• Students/Seniors (65+): $16

• 9 and under: FREE

Combination Semifinals & Finals Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $35

• Students/Seniors (65+): $28

• 9 and under: FREE

Per CBA Rules, pit crew and prop volunteers will be required to have a Field Pass wristband for prelims/finals to enter the field and will be admitted to the FIELD ONLY. Pit crew and prop volunteers will not be admitted to the stands without a purchased attendance wristband.

Competition Schedule:

Parking and Other Details:

• For handicap parking, please use the entrance to Lot 1 and continue to the clearly identified handicap area. Golf carts will rotate through and take individuals to the Gate 3 entrance. 

• Air Force Athletics has introduced a clear bag policy that will limit bags that may be brought into stadium events. The policy will help to provide a safe environment for the public. Persons/personal belongings are subject to search. Be prepared to show keys, cell phones, or other metal-related items during the metal detection process.  

• Factory-sealed transparent soft plastic water bottles, 24 fl. oz. or less, are the only beverages permitted. Note: Exceptions are made for medical conditions and infants. Fans may also bring an empty, soft, transparent water bottle to fill with water inside the stadium. (24 fl. oz. or less). NO OUTSIDE Food or Beverage is permitted. 

• The AFA is cashless! Please plan to use debit or credit when purchasing any concessions while at the Air Force Academy. 

Detailed Maps for Pit/Props and Uniform Helpers

For more information, visit the CBA 2025 State Championships website.