About the Championship
The competition day will flow much the same as any other competition (arrive, check-in, warm up, compete, awards, etc.). Due to the GSU football game that evening, the hours of the competitive portion of the day are shifted to morning/afternoon, rather than afternoon/evening. Sample performance and daily schedules can be found on the Schedules tab below.
There are several major additions to the event that will follow the standard competitive day. We are excited to announce…
Free Admission to the Football Game
All student participants, credentialed adults, and paid admission to GSMBC will receive free admission to the Georgia State vs. Troy University football game that evening.
Student Participant Social
In the time between awards and the start of the Panther Band Pre-Game performance, and subsequent football game, members of all participating bands are invited to mix and mingle in a student social. This will be a very unique chance for members of all bands to say hello and interact with one another in appreciation for the common bonds they share.
Director Clinics
In the time between awards and the start of the football game, and while students are enjoying the band social, directors and staffs will have the chance to participate in educational clinics with the judges. This will be a chance to talk face-to-face with some of the judges and discuss impressions and ideas. The idea is to glean insight for future seasons from an instructional or design perspective. This is NOT a typical critique.
Grand Champion to Perform Halftime Exhibition
The grand champion of the Georgia State Marching Band Championship will have a ten-minute window of time to perform an encore presentation of their show for those in attendance for the GSU vs. Troy football game.
The Championship will be divided into five classifications determined by the number of wind players in each ensemble:
Class A – 39 or fewer
Class AA – 40 – 59
Class AAA – 60 – 79
Class AAAA – 80 – 99
Class AAAAA – 100 and above
The Georgia State Marching Band Championship (GSMBC) is committed to education and entertainment. The adjudication system for GSMBC provides a platform to reward music and performance while keeping a strong commitment to innovation and entertainment. To that end, music captions carry 60% of the total score while visual captions comprise 40% of the total score. Additionally, performance based captions carry 60% of the score while General Effect comprises 40% of the score. The GSMBC criterion reference system through caption judging allows consistent national standards to be used by the expert panel of judges.
It is the goal of GSMBC to keep music and performance excellence the top priority. To that end the following system is set:
General Effect Judge 1- 20%
General Effect Judge 2 – 20%
Two general effect judges combine to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the show through composition and performance. The two judges are asked to consider effect as a composite idea rather than as visual effect and music effect in isolation. To keep balance to the priorities, one judge will have a visual background while the other has a musical background. General Effect combines for a total 40% of the overall score.
Music Ensemble – 20%
The music ensemble judge considers the musical performance of the ensemble. This judge evaluates the entire soundscape through the lens of technical proficiency and artistry. Music Ensemble represents 20% of the overall score.
Music Individual – 10%
This is an “on-field” judge who considers the technical proficiency and artistry of the individual brass and woodwind players as well as the consistency between players. The goal of this caption is to evaluate and reward the individual musicians in the ensemble for their achievements. The Music Individual caption averages with the Percussion Ensemble caption to total 20% of the overall score.
Percussion Ensemble – 10%
This is an “in-the-box” judge who considers the technical proficiency and artistry of the battery percussion and front ensemble as well as, when applicable, the blend between the two subsections. The goal of this caption is to evaluate and reward the musicians in the percussion ensemble for their achievements. The Percussion Ensemble caption averages with the Music Individual caption to total 20% of the overall score.
Visual Ensemble – 10%
The Visual Ensemble judge considers technical proficiency and artistry of the entire band. This caption includes form control, consistency of technique, vocabulary, uniformity and artistry across all sections of the band proper. The Visual Ensemble Caption averages with the Color Guard Performance caption to total 20% of the overall score.
Color Guard Performance – 10%
This judge considers the technical proficiency and artistry of the color guard as well as the consistency between performers. The goal of this caption is to evaluate and reward the individual performers in the ensemble for their achievements. The Color Guard Performance caption averages with the Visual Ensemble caption to total 20% of the overall score.
Summary:
- Four music judges and three visual judges
- 60% of score comes from music perspective
- 40% of score comes from visual perspective
- 60% of score comes from performance captions
- 40% of score comes from General Effect captions
- Color guard and percussion scores count in overall band score
Schedule
GSMBC is a single performance contest starting with A Class progressing through to AAAAA Class.
Bands are scheduled on 15-minute intervals, with appropriate breaks as scheduled by the Contest Director.
Bands are permitted a performance time of six (6) to eleven (11) minutes on the Performance Field.
Awards
An Awards Ceremony will follow the conclusion of the Panther Band’s exhibition performance. The Ceremony will feature drum majors and members of your band’s senior class. Each enrolled band will receive a Championship Participation Award.
Highest Achievement Awards and Class Placement Awards will be presented as follows for each class A, AA, AAA, AAAA, and AAAAA based on total score:
Third Place Color Guard
Second Place Color Guard
Class Champion Color Guard
Third Place Percussion
Second Place Percussion
Class Champion Percussion
Third Place Band
Second Place Band
Class Champion Band
Division Caption Awards will be presented based on highest total score in each caption for combined divisions, as follows:
State Division (Classes A, AA, AAA)
Music Performance
Visual Performance
General Effect
Panther Division (Classes AAAA, AAAAA)
Music Performance
Visual Performance
General Effect
Grand Champion Award
The Grand Champion will receive a permanent trophy for their performance and in addition will have possession, for one year, of the traveling trophy. This trophy will have the name of the champion permanently engraved and will return after one year, in time for the next Georgia State Marching Band Championship.

Turner Field, the former home of the Atlanta Braves, has been transformed over the past several months into a modern football venue with reconfigured seating, 25,000 seats, new locker rooms and new concession options.
General Admission (unassigned) – $18+ taxes and fees
Standard Seating (assigned) – $25+ taxes and fees
Please note- GSU Stadium utilizes a clear bag policy.
- All fans will receive free admission to the GSU Football vs. Troy game that evening. Fans staying for the football game must sit in Sections 118-125 or 218-227.
- Children 10 and under receive free admission, but still require a ticket. Please call 404-413-4020 or email [email protected] to arrange for tickets. On game day, children 10 and under without a ticket must get a ticket from the ticket office between Gates 6 and 7. Children 2 and under are permitted without a ticket, but are required to sit in lap of parent/guardian.
General Admission Parking Only (Blue or Gold Lot):
Advanced Ticket Sales (online) – $10
Event Day Sales (on site) – $20
- Parking is festival style, first-come, first-served in both Blue or Gold Lot.
- ADA parking is located in the Gold Lot.
Online parking sales close on Friday, October 25 at 11:59 p.m.
A to Z Stadium Policies
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the stadium.
ADA Accessibility
The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and the Revised ADA TITLE II and TITLE III Regulations (part 2) protect persons with disabilities. Georgia State makes every effort to comply with state and federal accessibility regulations and make reasonable accommodations for our guests.
Accessible seating is available in our facilities. For information on accessible seating, prior to the event, please contact 404-413-4020. On the event day, questions and exchanges may be made at the ticket office and are subject to availability.
Animals
Animals are not permitted inside of Georgia State Stadium with the exception of service animals and service animals in training for guests with disabilities. Please make sure you have any necessary documentation, credentials or identification.
Bags
Panther fans are required to carry Clear bags to hold their belongings that are no larger than 12” X 6” X 12”, 1-Gallon Plastic Freezer Bag, and/or Clutches that are no larger than 4.5” X 6.5”, approximately the size of a hand.
Bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and all backpacks are prohibited at Georgia State Stadium. Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.
All bags are subject to search. Guests are encouraged to return unauthorized bags to their vehicles. Georgia State University will provide a bag check station that is secure and monitored to allow fans to check bags in and out during the event. The bag check station will be located on the North end of the stadium near the ticket booths.
Baby Changing Stations
Each restroom throughout Georgia State Stadium contains a baby changing station.
Concessions
All concession stands are managed by Panther Dining which are located on the Promenade and 200 level. Please email all questions regarding concessions to [email protected].
Customer Service Centers
Guest Service stations are located in the North East portion of the stadium near section 125 near Gate 7.
Emergency Information
If a situation arises which requires evacuation of Georgia State Stadium, we request your cooperation and assistance to exit the facility in an orderly manner. For your safety, law enforcement and game day security staff are positioned in and around the stadium.
Once an evacuation announcement has been given, please proceed to the nearest stairway or exit. Outside the stadium, follow the directions of the event staff and do not attempt to re-enter the stadium.
In the case of an adverse weather situation, please seek immediate safe shelter.
Family Restrooms
There are three family restrooms located around the facility. 1) on the 100 level North end by Pounce Town, 2) on the 200 Level by Section 210, and 3) on the 300 Level behind Suite 54. For nursing mothers, please visit a Frist Aid Station located behind Suite 20, to receive assistance to the designated area.
First Aid/ Healthcare Stations
First Aid Stations are provided courtesy of GSU Athletics (or Grady Hospital). Patrons in need of medical attention should visit one of these two locations:
Behind section 125 near Gate 7
Behind section 206 on the 200 Level
Lost and Found
Please refer all lost articles to a Police Officer or Event Staff member. To claim a lost item during the game, please visit the Guest Services booth near section 125 by Gate 7. To claim a lost item after the game, please call Campus Police at 404-413-3333.
Lost Children and Guests
Lost children and guests should be taken to the Guest Services Booth located inside the stadium by section 125 and Gate 7. Parents and guests looking for lost children or guests should contact the nearest usher or security personnel and should be directed to the GSUPD Command Center. Campus Police can be contacted at (404) 413-3333 or 911 during and after the game.
Prohibited Items & behavior
Georgia State University promotes good sportsmanship by student performers, directors, and spectators. We encourage all fans to support the participants and officials in a positive manner. Thank you for displaying your sportsmanship at Georgia State events.
Rowdy, threatening, or inconsiderate behavior such as profane and abusive language, or fighting shall not be tolerated within Georgia State Stadium.
The following items and activities are prohibited at Georgia State Stadium out of concern for the safety of our guests, employees and participants:
- Artificial Noisemakers
- Animals (except certified service animals)
- Backpacks
- Bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
- Outside food and drink
- Fireworks
- Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and rollerblades
- Coolers
- Illegal Substances
- Laser Pointers
- Flag poles and sticks
- Strollers in seats
- Umbrellas
- Video Cameras
- Weapons
- Large Signs
*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements or special needs; please make sure you have any necessary documentation, credentials or identification. Diaper bags are permitted only if accompanied by an infant.
All person and belongings are subject to search. Guests are encouraged to return unauthorized items to their vehicles. Georgia State University cannot safeguard items not permitted into the stadium. Prohibited items in the stadium will be confiscated and not returned.
Patrons in violation of stadium policies are subject to removal from the stadium, arrest and prosecution under applicable laws and statutes, and could forfeit ticket privileges to future events. Students who violate rules may also be subject to disciplinary procedures through the University’s Office of Student Conduct.
Re-Entry/Pass Outs
There is no Re-Entry into Georgia State Stadium.
Signs/banners/flags
Signs/banners are permitted within Georgia State Stadium only if they meet the following guidelines:
The sign/banner is not larger than 3’ x 2’.
The sign/banner does not impair the view of any guest in the stadium or block any existing signage or event.
The information contained on the sign/banner cannot be construed as vulgar, offensive, graphic, or outside of what the community standard would consider in “good taste.”
Signs/Banners are not permitted to be hung anywhere inside the stadium.
Be prepared to return any prohibited sign/banner/pole/stick to your vehicle.
Game management personnel reserves the right to confiscate signs, banners and flags that are in violation of stadium policy, that interfere with another guest’s view, or create a safety issue.
Smoking
In accordance with Georgia state law and Georgia State University policies, Georgia State Stadium has been designated a non-smoking venue.
Smoking in any form through the use of tobacco products (pipes, cigars and cigarettes) or “vaping” with e-cigarettes, is prohibited in the seating bowl, on the concourse and in restrooms. Violators of this policy will be ejected from the stadium.
Strollers
Strollers are prohibited inside Georgia State Stadium. Strollers must be taken to a stroller drop-off location at the North End of the stadium ticket booths/bag check station (Gates 8). You will be provided with a claim ticket that must be returned to pick up your stroller. Georgia State assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged stroller or items left in strollers.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are prohibited inside Georgia State Stadium for the comfort and safety of all fans. No storage of this item is available. Please be prepared to use rain gear or ponchos during inclement weather.
Safety Tips
- When possible, all parties should remain together within their groups.
- Designate a meeting location in case someone gets separated from the family/group.
- Escort all children to restroom facilities.
- Agree on a time to leave the event.
- If separated from the group, go to a police officer or event staff member.
- Police Operations can be reached at 404-413-3333.
- Don’t wander off from the group or explore isolated areas.
- Report all suspicious activity to a police officer or call 911.
Judging Panel
Registration Fee - $500
A deposit option is available for complete applications submitted before April 1. For applications submitted after April 1, the deposit option is not available, and the full fee must be submitted.
Registration deadline is Sep. 20
Wait List:
After twenty (20) completed applications have been received, a Wait List for the Championship will be formed, again using the registration timestamp for priority. From time to time, bands may withdraw from the Championship, creating opportunities for “wait list” or other new entrants to be moved into a performance spot.
Refund Policy:
All cancellations must be made in writing on official school or band letterhead. If you cancel prior to April 1, you will forfeit half of the deposit ($125) paid. If you cancel on or after April 1, you will forfeit all fees paid and there will be NO REFUND. Monies cannot be “held over” for future years. Bands with balances due for prior years may not enroll in future events until such balances are paid.