Rocket City Marching Invitational set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at stadium
MADISON – Bob Jones High School Bands, in collaboration with title sponsor KODA Technologies, will present the third annual Rocket City Marching Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Madison City Schools Stadium.
High schools from across North Alabama and Mississippi will converge for a day of competition, artistry and musical excellence, according to Dana Mixer, who serves on Bob Jones Band Booster Board.
“Rocket City Marching Invitational offers more than just competition — it’s a showcase of community, artistic dedication and the excitement of marching bands at their best,” Mixer said. “With exhibition performances, high-level competition and the opportunity to see the Marching Pride of North Alabama’s preview of their 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade set, this is one musical event you don’t want to miss.”
“Bob Jones High School Band is honored to host this event as part of their commitment to excellence, community involvement and showcasing talented musicians and bands in North Alabama,” Mixer said.
On Sept. 20, the stadium entrance will open at noon, and preliminaries will start at 1:30 p.m. St. John Paul II Catholic High School will take the field at 1:40 p.m., followed by competition bands from these high schools: Grissom, 2:10 p.m.; Huntsville, 2:30 p.m.; Muscle Shoals, 2:50 p.m.; Sparkman, 3:20 p.m.; and Tupelo, Miss., 3:40 p.m.
At 4 p.m., the color guards from Discovery and Journey middle schools will deliver exhibition shows at 4 p.m.
Next, the Marching Pride of North Alabama from the University of North Alabama will be in exhibition at 4:15 p.m. Known for their elevated level of showmanship with its dance team, color guard and instrumentalists, the UNA Marching Pride is rehearsing for their historic appearance in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The UNA Marching Pride was selected as one of only a few bands to march in the 99th annual Macy’s Parade on Nov. 27. At the marching invitational in Madison, UNA will preview their upcoming NYC performance. Audience members are invited to hear a taste of what this historic moment in New York City may hold—tunes, style and pageantry included.
The invitational’s preliminary awards are scheduled at 4:45 p.m. After a dinner break, the finals competition will start at 6:30 p.m., leading to the finals awards presentation at 9 p.m.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $5 for students; and children 12 years old and younger will be admitted free. Tickets are available with S2 Pass and at the gate (cash also accepted).
Spectator parking is free and available from the stadium’s north entrance. Concessions will be available all day. Spectators are not allowed to bring outside food or drink.
For more information, visit bjhsband.com or Facebook/BJHS Band Boosters.
