CBA State Championships: 4A/5A Quarterfinals

State Championships for the 4A and 5A classifications take place over two days at the Air Force Academy. The first day is the Quarterfinals round. The second day is the Semifinals and Finals competitions. 

Twenty bands in Class 4A and in Class 5A qualify for the State Championships based upon Regional scores. The format is a Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals round. The bands perform in reverse order of seeding from Regional rankings for Quarterfinals. The bands that are seeded #1-6 receive a bye in Quarterfinals and automatically advance to Semifinals. The bands that are seeded #7-20 compete in Quarterfinals, with the six highest scoring bands in both classes 4A and 5A advancing to Semifinals. 

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. Please read the Important Notice below for more information on the pre-registration process for base access. Drivers must produce a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration. All adults entering the base must provide photo ID, even if you are not driving. 

Please allow plenty of EXTRA TIME to go through security upon entering the base, find parking, and make your way to your seat. 

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

We will need Pit/Props Volunteers, Uniform Helpers, and food donations for this event. Please click HERE to volunteer.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

A new security measure has been implemented for entry to the Air Force Academy. All spectators 18 years and older (performing band students excluded) will be required to complete the AFA Base Access Link. The approved pass will be sent in a text that will be required along with a valid driver’s license for entry to the base.

Click HERE to complete the Base Access link. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete this process!

RV Competition Day Schedule:

5:30 p.m. on Thursday, 10/22: Drop off food donations at RV (We're going to pack the food trailer the evening before quarterfinals due to the early start.)

5:30 a.m.: Students arrive at RV

5:45 a.m.:  Breakfast

9:00 a.m.:  Props/Pit Volunteers and Uniform/Water Helpers arrive at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy

11:00 a.m.: Performance

11:45 a.m.: Lunch

12:45 p.m.: Drum Major Retreat

3:00 p.m.: Students arrive back at RV

3:00 p.m.: 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 here. Internet connectivity can be spotty at the USAFA. Download your tickets and/or print a copy before arriving in Colorado Springs!

Quarterfinals Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $18

• Students/Seniors (65+): $14

• 9 and under: FREE

Per CBA Rules, pit crew and prop volunteers will be required to have a Field Pass wristband 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/Water Helpers: