Insider Info: 2026 National School Band Championship
Insider Info: 2026 National School Band Championship
Everything you need to know to watch the new National School Band Championship on Varsity TV Jan. 30-Feb 8.
For the first time, bands from across the country will come together to compete at the National School Band Championship, where they'll be able to showcase their talent and school pride for a chance to bring home a national title to their school and band programs.
The opening weekend of competition - Jan. 30-Feb. 1, will belong entirely to Division II schools (enrollment of 1-1,399) for the 2026 DII National School Spirit Championships, which will feature three events - the UCA DII National High School Cheerleading Championship, UDA DII National Dance Team Championship and the DII National School Band Championship.
The following weekend, Feb. 6-8, will belong to the Division I programs (enrollment of 1,400 and above) for the 2026 DI National School Spirit Championships for another round of the same fun events - the UCA DI National High School Cheerleading Championship, UDA DI National Dance Team Championship and the DI National School Band Championship.
While Division I features schools with 1,400 or more students, there also will be an entire weekend devoted to the Division II schools (enrollment of 1-1,399). Those events will take place Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and feature the same structure and location.
The bands will be bringing from the jump, and you don’t want to miss school fight songs, cadences and beats played by the talented performers.
- Who: Division I & II School Pep Bands
- When: Jan. 30-Feb. 8, 2026
- Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida
- Watch: LIVE on Varsity TV
- Rebroadcast: Watch HERE
About The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
The 2026 National School Band Championship is headed to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The complex features 10 world-class facilities that offer athletes and fans unmatched competitive experiences for nearly any indoor or outdoor sport, and competition at the 2026 DI National School Spirit Championships will take place at six of them: State Farm Field House, Athletic Center, AdventHealth Arena North (Yellow), AdventHealth Arena East (Blue), AdventHealth Arena South (Red), and AdventHealth Arena West (Green).
With the complex located at Walt Disney World, competitors and their supporters with have countless things to enjoy when the competition isn't going on, whether it be one of the many places to eat or shop or a few hours at one of the Disney parks.
More Information About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
- FAQs: For all of the venues frequently asked questions, find more info here.
- Parking: For all things parking and online access, follow this link.
- Where To Stay: For more information about where to stay, follow this link!
- Things To Do: Looking for activities to do around Orlando, follow this link for all the details!
About Orlando, Florida
What could be better than escaping the cold winter weather for a long weekend in the Sunshine State?
Sure, the athletes and band members are heading to Orlando to compete, but why not turn the opportunity into a mini pre-Spring Break vacation?
Even if they've been there for one of the many other cheer and dance events held in O-Town, the area is always changing and growing, offering more and more things to do, no matter how many times you've visited.
For more information about all of the highlights that Orlando has to offer, take a look at the Visit Orlando website.
How To Watch The 2026 National School Band Championship
The 2026 edition of the National School Band Championship DII will stream LIVE on Varsity TV on Jan. 30-Feb 1.
The 2026 National School Band Championship DI will stream LIVE on Varsity TV on Feb. 6-8.
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 National School Band Championship Results
Results for the 2026 National School Band Championship can be found here:
2026 National School Band Championship Schedule
The schedule for the 2026 National School Band Championship can be found here.
Tune in to Varsity TV to watch all the action live from the 2026 Division I National School Band Championship in Orlando, Florida.
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