Insider Info: 2026 Division II National School Band Championship
Insider Info: 2026 Division II National School Band Championship
Everything you need to know to watch the new Division II National School Band Championship on Varsity TV on Jan. 30.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, will be a hotbed of cheer and dance activity in the new year, but one of the first events on the calendar also will give the spotlight to school bands from across the country.
The new Division II National School Band Championship will give bands the chance to shine beyond the shadows of the cheer and dance teams they support.
The band-only competitions will take place as part of the inaugural National School Spirit Championships, a two-weekend extravaganza facilitated by Varsity Spirit, beginning on the last weekend of January.
The weekend of Jan. 30-Feb. 1 will include the DII National High School Cheerleading Championship, DII National Dance Team Championship and the DII National School Band Championship. These events are for schools with 1-1,399 students.
The larger schools (1400+) will get to compete Feb. 6-8 in the DI National School Band Championship, which will include the DI National High School Cheerleading Championship, DI National Dance Team Championship and the DI National School Band Championship.
The National School Band Championship on Jan. 30 will allow the bands to showcase their skills and favorite songs/performances and recreate the ultimate gameday experience, along with enjoying an unforgettable time at Walt Disney World.
There will be two categories in which the bands can perform:
- Pep Band Division (performances from sporting events and pep rallies)
- Spirit Program Game Day Live Division (any combination of cheer and band, dance and band, or a combination of all three.
Despite years of success and tradition, Varsity Spirit isn’t satisfied with doing the same old thing every year, and the team is always looking for ways to enhance events and find ways to continue the harmony between cheer, dance and bands.
The path has been blazed with events like the UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, which has been held for more than 40 years. But, again, status quo wasn’t enough, so the College Spirit Program Game Day Division was introduced in 2022 and has been the influence for the new National School Band Championship
There are a lot of components to all of this, but make sure to join us on Varsity TV when the action kicks off with band programs, rec teams and varsity, junior varsity and junior high teams from Division II going head-to-head with their sights set on one of these prestigious national championships. To learn more about the events, find the FAQ here.
- Who: Division II School Pep Bands
- When: Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026
- Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – The Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Florida)
- Watch: LIVE on Varsity TV
- Rebroadcast: Watch HERE
What To Know About The ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex
For so many athletes, competing at the famed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, part of the Walt Disney World Resort, is an unforgettable accomplishment in itself, while finding success on such a huge stage could only enhance the experience.
The complex features 10 world-class facilities that offer athletes and fans unmatched competitive experiences for nearly any indoor or outdoor sport. Check out the complete schedule of events happening on-site.
Take a look at the entire complex now, which has seen athletes’ dreams coming true since 1997.
For those who may be visiting Orlando, The Walt Disney World Resort or the host facility for the first time, here are some of the questions guests often ask. It’ll help with where to park, admission, what to bring, what’s not allowed, where to eat and more.
Things To Do In Orlando
As a youngster, there are few things more exciting than hearing that you’re going to Walt Disney World. As a competitor, the pinnacle is winning a national championship.
For hundreds of young athletes and band members, there will be an opportunity to do both of those things at the same time, and it also will be a chance for families to turn a weekend of competition into a memorable vacation.
The Orlando area is home to four amazing theme parks at The Walt Disney World Resort – Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT – and there always seem to be some great deals/packages being offered to the competition participants and their guests.
For some, the Disney experience can be overwhelming or confusing. Here are some tips to help make sure there are no distractions from the fun:
Travel Tips – Be prepared for your trip to the magical Walt Disney World Resort:
Beyond The Walt Disney World Resort are many areas for shopping, eating, learning about Central Florida history, catching some waves or a sporting event, or just spending time together doing something new. Put together an itinerary with help from VisitOrlando.com.
Need a car to get around the Orlando area? Visit Avis!
How To Watch 2026 Division II National School Band Championship
The 2026 Division II National School Band Championship will stream LIVE on Varsity TV.
If you’re going to be in Orlando and want to see the event in person, keep an eye on this page for spectator and ticket information.
Missed the Action? Watch The Rebroadcast
The rebroadcast will stream on Varsity TV on a delay of 24 hours.
Relive The Action With Varsity TV 24/7 Network
Whether you're a die-hard fan, a coach or an athlete, Varsity TV 24/7 Network brings the action of the competitive cheer and dance season straight to you—anytime, anywhere.
The always-live stream will feature all-access content and video replays hand-picked by experts on the Varsity TV team. Tune in to Varsity TV 24/7 Network live, starting on Nov. 1.
2026 Division II National School Band Championship Results
Results for the 2026 Division II National School Band Championship can be found here.
2026 Division II National School Band Championship Schedule
The schedule for 2026 Division II National School Band Championship can be found here.
Tune in to Varsity TV on Jan. 30 to watch all the action live from the 2026 Division II National School Band Championship in Orlando, Florida.
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