2017 WGI Color Guard World Championships - UD Arena

2017 WGI World Champ: Preview Of Independent World Prelims

Who will emerge from the Independent World prelims at the 2017 WGI Color Guard World Championships? Here are some groups to watch out for in Dayton.

Apr 3, 2017 by Michael Gilley

2017 WGI World Champ: Preview Of Independent World Prelims

As the 2017 WGI Color Guard World Championships quickly approach, we're taking a closer look at the Independent World prelims heading into Thursday, April 6, in Dayton, Ohio. Each of the three rounds of performances is being hosted at UD Arena, and all times are LOCAL (Eastern Time) to the event.

Only 20 guards will be advancing to the semifinals on Friday, April 7, at UD Arena, and for nine of these guards, prelims will be their final performance of 2017. Who will advance? Make sure you are watching everything LIVE, exclusively on FloMarching.

Check the venue schedules for individual performance times.

Round 1

Average Seeding Score: 82.150
First Performance: 4:10 PM
Last Performance: 5:40 PM

There are several notable groups heading into the opening round of Independent World performances. Invictus may be newcomers, but they are capable of a strong performance. Their bringing a show to Dayton that involves pumping 100-plus gallons of water into their props. Light Brigade is also certain to entertain the world with their runway, vogue-inspired show. There are three top 10-seeded ensembles performing in this round, so keep an eye out for Blessed Sacrament (No. 3), Onyx (No. 5), and Fantasia ( No. 8).

Round 2
Average Seeding Score: 82.900
First Performance: 6:05 PM
Last Performance: 7:35 PM

Round 2 will see some competitive performances by ensembles positioning themselves for a run at finals. There are four groups sitting in that No. 10 to No. 18 range that are all in striking distance of finals or that could fall out of the race. Of course there are two top 10 ensembles with No. 2 Imbue and No. 7 UCF Pegasus World set to perform as well. The sleeper in the World Class will be Aimachi. How will the group from Japan fare during prelims? At the 2015 WGI World Championships Aimachi finished fourth, including winning the Fan's Favorite award. And, will this be Aimachi's last trip to WGI Worlds?

Round 3

Average Seeding Score: 83.87
First Performance: 8 PM
Last Performance: 9:30 PM
The final round of prelims is arguably the toughest round of ensembles. Featuring the highest average seeding score and the most number of top 10 seeds (four), this round should be unbelievable. Ninth-seeded Alter Ego, No. 6 Paramount, No. 4 CGT Dallas, and the No. 1 overall seed Pride of Cincinnati are scheduled to perform.

How To Watch

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