More than 16,700 spectators filled J. Birney Crum Stadium across two nights for the 49th DCI Eastern Classic, held July 31 and August 1, 2026, in Allentown.
Event organizers estimated that 7,600 people attended Friday night, followed by more than 9,100 fans on Saturday.
Presented by Yokohama Tire, the annual Drum Corps International competition brought 23 drum and bugle corps representing 17 states to the Lehigh Valley. Organizers estimated that approximately 5,000 performers arrived aboard more than 100 coach buses accompanied by 75 tractor-trailers carrying instruments, uniforms and equipment.
The event extended beyond the stadium, with corps warming up throughout Cedar Beach Park and a marketplace along Linden Street featuring merchandise stands and food trucks. A local volunteer committee of more than 75 people helped support the weekend.
Friday’s World Class competition was led by the Bluecoats with a score of 96.825. The Blue Devils finished second at 95.450, followed by the Blue Stars at 92.025.
The Reading Buccaneers led Friday’s All-Age competition with a score of 92.825. The Hawthorne Caballeros placed second at 91.175, followed by the Bushwackers at 88.650.
On Saturday, Carolina Crown finished first with a score of 95.275. The Boston Crusaders placed second at 94.900, while Santa Clara Vanguard finished third with a score of 93.763.
The Allentown competition served as one of the final major stops before participating corps continued to Indianapolis for the 2026 DCI World Championships.
View the complete official results from Friday’s competition and Saturday’s competition.
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