DCI Response to Stadium Change
Lea Ann Stockton
related to requests for more information as to why it happened that we were
put into the position to change the location of the 2000 DCI Summer Music
Games World Championships. While there may be some specific questions that
go unanswered, I will do my best to cover as much material as possible.
Should you be compelled to ask further questions feel free to e-mail me at
d...@dci.org.
First, as the person who is responsible for negotiating contracts for event
venues, let me once again express how much I regret DCI and therefore its
fans and performers was put into this position. I respect that in our world
there is a need for details and a person to blame. I am not now nor have I
ever avoided responsibility for the decisions I have made in what I believe
to be the best interest of Drum Corps International which includes
consideration of its member corps, Division II & III corps, fans, sponsors,
and volunteers. I stand true to my actions whether they lead to success or
failure in what we are trying to do here. In the case of having to move the
2000 championships, with humility, sincerity and regret I apologize to
anyone inconvenienced by this move. As for the details, I will tell you what
I can without jeopardizing our legal position.
It is true there was not a signed contract with the Redskins organization.
However, based on past practice, experience and good faith reliance, DCI had
every reason to believe that we had an agreement. I am not in a position to
share the details of why we believe we had an agreement with the Redskins at
this time nor can I discuss any other reference to what DCI may or may not
do to seek resolution with the Redskins. I can tell you it is a common
occurrence to sell tickets before a stadium contract is signed even though
DCI tries to avoid those situations whenever possible. The challenges with
each venue to secure the stadium for any of our events are vast. The timing
of when a schedule for DCI major events occurs together with geographical
(touring) considerations mixed with stadium availability and the willingness
of stadium officials to allow us the opportunity to use the facility makes
up a process that consists of months and sometimes years. Each venue has
their own unique way of dealing with negotiation and contracts.
It is difficult to find a venue that fits into DCI’s criteria with regards
to location, structure, calendar and cost. Especially, when mixed with the
other variables, hotel space, geographical support, airport location, local
support. And of course the stadium selection is often derailed due to
stadium officials consideration of availability, NFL exhibition schedule,
Major League Baseball Schedule, and Major League Soccer schedules, all of
which are not decided a year in advance of our championships not to mention
the high degree of sensitivity to what is perceived to be what we do to
grass. Universities are going back to grass fields, athletic directors are
sensitive to football practice schedules, in addition to other
considerations. The point is that even when a stadium agrees to enter into
negotiations with DCI, the agreement is not normally signed until a few
months prior to the event. As much of a risk as it appears to be to operate
without a signed document, there is a high degree of faith that can be put
into the likelihood that a signing of an agreement will occur. Make no
mistake, it is now and continues to be my objective to have a stadium
signed, sealed and delivered before we sell the first ticket. Unfortunately,
a signed contract before tickets go on sale tends to be the exception rather
than the rule based on all the other factors that are involved.
There has been some confusion related to the location of the Division II &
III prelims events. It has always been DCI’s intent, with the knowledge,
understanding and support of the Division II & III corps directors that the
2000 DCI Division II & III World Championships prelims would be at another
location other than the site of the Opening Ceremonies, DCI Division II &
III finals and all Division I events. Due to the change in sites for the
Wednesday through Saturday events we have been waiting to secure a site that
will fill the criteria of the DCI Division II & III directors.
Concerns have also been expressed regarding seating capacity at the
University of Maryland versus the Redskins Stadium. Most that have purchased
tickets up to this point are very sensitive to yard line locations, height,
site obstructions and pricing. We have spelled out how to handle the
exchange or even a full refund in our correspondence to current ticket
holders for the 2000 event. We will do our best to make your seating as
close to what you expected as possible. I can tell you there is little
difference in seating capacity in the premium seating area we have
designated. We have the advantage of a similar stadium in that it has three
decks so it is likely your seat location will be satisfactory. Again, it is
likely that your “sight and sound” of the world championships will be
similar to your expectations at Redskins Stadium.
If you have already made hotel reservations in the area you are most likely
in a good situation even with the relocation to the University of Maryland.
Concerns about traffic are the same for either stadium. Unfortunately, the
Washington, DC area traffic is no selling point for our event. We will be
offering information related to the Metro and the nearby College Park
Station over the next several weeks. Parking at the University of Maryland
will be a challenge compared to Redskins Stadium, but there should be enough
parking on campus to accommodate our Saturday night audience.
It is my hope that the above statements assist you in gaining a better
understanding as to “what happened”. Again, I apologize for any
inconvenience that this change causes whether it affects you directly or it
simply lessons your confidence in what DCI is trying to do and who is in
charge. Much like I have been learning in my 31 years in drum corps, you
learn from your mistakes and you march on. I hope, despite your opinion of
DCI or its management you will continue to support an activity that serves
youth in a unique and spectacular way. I look forward to sharing another
incredible DCI World Championships experience with you at the University of
Maryland this year. Thank you for your patience and continued support of one
of the world’s truly great youth activities.
Most Sincerely,
Daniel E. Acheson
Executive Director, CEO
Drum Corps International
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Tom Brace
Last thing I recall a leader in our country saying was "I never...ever...had
sex with that woman...Monica Lewinsky."
Very professional of you to explain the situation further.
Tom Brace
Lea Ann Stockton <lea...@dci.org> wrote in message
news:38751...@news5.newsfeeds.com...
Most Sincerely,
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Jill Drake
with "revised" seats somewhere in the 20-30 yard line zone (for three
nights, same seat, at a cost of $150 per person). My family and I would have
been attending our first world championships, but decided that the cost for
the seats, in additional to the doubled expense of the hotels (twice the
price of the original one) and the fact that it was bench seating, was too
much. Sorry things didn't work out.
We will go to Allentown as we always have. Those folks really know how to
run a great show!
Brian Jones
at least as good. It does seem like you are trying to handle the situation
fairly well. I am a bit confused though about your remarks in finding a
stadium that fits dci. Back in the early 90's DCI went to many many cities
across the country (and I imagine spent lots of money in the process)
looking at stadiums, parking, hotels, restaurants etc.. After they did all
this research they had a list of locations that they intended to use over
and over again. As a matter of fact we were told that we would always know
where finals would be because it would be on a rotating schedule. Well this
lasted a whole 2 years and then it was abandoned. So don't tell me that
you have a hard time finding a location, I can send you the list if it will
help. Also, I understand that if you wanted the refund you had to do it
before you sent your tickets back for an exchange. Well I can tell you that
if I don't get satisfactory seats with my exchange I will get a refund,
especially now that I know you sold tickets without even having a contract.
I guess I will have to wait 3 months to find out though. As a side note, I
received your letter last week about joining friends of DCI and I was ready
to write the check, now I'm glad that I didn't. You didn't time that letter
very well, you should have sent it a month ago.
Most Sincerely,
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Trip Steel
didn't you read the part that says the Maryland Stadium is in the same
Metro area as the Redskins stadium--in fact, it's even closer to more
hotels? What did you do, upgrade from a Best Western to a Hyatt?
And trust me, I love Allentown too, but there's no way in hell that the
seating and acoustics there compares with Maryland's. Having been to 3
World Championships, I can honestly say you just cost your family an
unmatchable experience.
Way to go.
Trip Steel
Acheson's position, I am a little stunned that they decided to sell
their tickets without a signed contract beforehand. I mean, if "having
a signed contract beforehand is the exception rather than the rule,"
then when DO they normally have signed contracts? September? October?
Two weeks before finals? If contracts don't happen until December, why
not start selling tickets in January?
Unfortunately, though, if you send your tickets back for an exchange,
you are legally relinquishing your right to a refund--the letter/form
they send out is worded to imply that by requesting an exchange you
agree to a no-refund policy.
And yeah, I totally agree with you that it shouldn't be a big effort to
find what the "good venues" are. Give me 30 minutes and a web browser
and I would be able to get 90% of that information (astroturf fields,
hotels, airports, etc).
Rainman211
apparantly........... chill out, give the man a break............. support dci
or dont....... dont waste your time complaining........ac
Drew McPheeters
> find what the "good venues" are. Give me 30 minutes and a web browser
> and I would be able to get 90% of that information (astroturf fields,
> hotels, airports, etc).
Then put your money where your mouth is. Research a bunch of venues and
forward them on to DCI for their information and further consideration. Too
many people willing to complain about the job others are doing, but not to
step up and take on some work of their own.
SerpeR
to
step up and take on some work of their own. >>
for St Ann's Colorguard (and by default, a sponsor of the Cadets, and Crossmen)
point being.. it's easy to complain... almost as easy as it is to sit in the
stands and watch drum corps.
But isn't this activity all about committment?
If you've ever had the responsibility of putting together an event like DCI
championships, then you know (as I do) how complicated and sensitive the
process really is.
Sometimes I wonder how many kids would be marching if they walked away every
time something was changed at the last minute.
ok, flame away
xoxox
ralph
Here is a link to <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/stannsteam/INDEX.HTM">St
Ann's</A>'s
W Souder
>sex with that woman...Monica Lewinsky."
...and before that was "Read my lips: no new taxes!" and "I am not a crook!"
Bill Souder
flip64
home office in Illinois.
Most Sincerely,
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