Competition at JMU

SL Football and JMU POC Competition expectations:

• Arrive in Show shirt, Drillmasters and blacksocks

• Wear appropriate attire for changing into uniform w/o privacy

• Individuals are responsible for getting pit instruments on truck and

• winds/battery/guard equipment under the charter buses (flutes and clarinets go

• with you on the bus). Help parents load and unload.

• Stay with groups of 3 or more while in JMU stadium

• Dismiss together upon arrival to HHS. Help unload the truck.

• No access to anywhere but band room room upon return

• The Pride Route Tracker is LIVE!  Follow along with our trip home for up to date timing using https://www.herndonband.org/trip-tracker The password is same as all other pages (see Brian's email for password )

• No food or beverages (not even refillable water bottles) are allowed in the stadium. All bags will be searched before entry. Bring money for concessions if you want to purchase anything after we perform.

• Any medication needed at the competition should be checked in with First Aid.  Students should hold onto their own inhalers and epi-pens.

• Bring DVDs to watch on the bus. Only G and PG movies are allowed. All movies are shown at the discretion of the band staff.

• All spectator information, including maps and parking and ticketing information can be found at https://www.jmu.edu/mrd/poc/index.shtml

• The schedule can be found here once it's published

• 11:30 Arrival – Eat lunch before arrival. Wear show shirts, black socks, drill masters. Shorts are fine.

• 12:40 Pre-game Performance – Parents -if you want to see our show, be in the stands by 12:35. We are leaving before halftime.

• 1:00 Football

• 2:00 Load Buses

• 2:30 Depart (Bring snack for the trip. We will not be eating dinner until close to 8pm)

• 4:30 Arrive at JMU – Change into uniform –Students will have no privacy. Please have clothes that will fit over uniform.

• 7:03 Performance at JMU

• ~8 pm Change out of uniform. Bring warm clothes (hoodies, jackets, pants, gloves). It will turn cold as we get into the later hours. Return to Stadium for Dinner – JMU is CASHLESS – bring electric form of payment (card, apple pay, google pay). Backpacks should not be brought in except for medical exceptions.

• 11:15 Awards

• 11:45 Depart

• 1:45 am Return to HHS

Welcome to the 47th annual JMU Parade of Champions!

Saturday October 4th, 2025

Competition at JMU *Four-day weekend All day *

All spectator information, including maps and parking and ticketing information can be found at https://www.jmu.edu/mrd/poc/index.shtml

The schedule will be found here once it's published

TICKETS ARE SOLD THE DAY OF THE EVENT AT TICKET BOOTH A

Ticket Pricing for 2025

General Admission: $20

Discounted Admission: $15 *

* Discount Admission available to the following: Active/Retired Military (Military ID required), Students: K-12 & College (ID only required for college students), & Seniors 65+ (ID required). 

Free Admission for children 3 yrs old and under

When admission is purchased, each individual will receive a wristband that will allow admission to the event all day. Wristbands are sold at the contest entrance at Ticked Booth “A”.

Payment Options: JMU will accept cash, checks (made payable to “JMU Bands”), and credit cards.

CONCESSIONS AND MERCHANDISE

As always, our music student organizations will be providing POC merchandise for purchase during the event.  We will have several merchandise tables set up around the stadium for you, your students, and their families to browse.  In addition, JMU Concessions and Domino’s Pizza will be open during the event to sell food and beverages to participants and spectators.  You may also choose to bring your group off campus to one of the many restaurants or shopping centers within a few miles of campus. (PLEASE NOTE: CONCESSIONS ARE NOW CASHLESS. ONLY CARD AND MOBILE PAY WILL BE ACCEPTED.)

STADIUM ACCESS

• All spectators will need to have a purchased wristband visible to event staff

• Entry and exit is through the main stadium gates (A Gates) only.  

• All spectators/participants will pass through metal detectors upon entering the stadium.

There is NO CLEAR BAG POLICY for the Parade of Champions, but all bags will be searched at the gates (please allow a bit of extra time for this, especially if entering with a group).

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, weapons, fireworks

• Animals (with the exception of service animals w/proper ID)

• Bags larger than 12"x12"x12"

• Coolers or glass/metal containers

• Outside food and beverages (except Starbuck’s coffee (available on site 10am-2pm))

• Strollers are allowed INSIDE the stadium, but not in the stands A designated “parking” area is available for those who need to bring them in.

• Any wheeled item (with the exception of wheelchairs or medical scooters): bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, etc. 

TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATIONS

In preparation for your visit to Harrisonburg, please consider visiting the following website to help with your planning:

• JMU Dining Services (on-campus food options)

• JMU Campus Map

• Harrisonburg Accommodations (hotels) 

• Harrisonburg Restaurants